ruddy attended the university of notre dame from 1990–1994. he was a four-year letterman and two year starter during this time. he was selected as a second-team all-america and first-team all-independent by "the football news" and the associated press. ruddy also posted a perfect 4.0 gpa his junior and senior years at notre dame. he graduated with 3.86 gpa. he holds a b.s. in mechanical engineering. he also earned post-graduate scholarships from the ncaa and the national football foundation. he is also a member of tau beta pi (national engineering honor society).