Replacing a section of drywall

Sure.

YES. But it really doesn't need to be a stud. A 2x2 or 1x2 securely attached to the stud will serve the purpose just as well. It is called a "scab".

Yep, and here is a free hint- attach your scab studs and blocking with screws, not nails. All that banging with nails tends to make the nails pop in the undisturbed part of the drywall. If the existing studs are old doug fir or yellow pine, you may need to drill pilot holes- that stuff gets surprisingly hard after 20 years in the wall. I did a patch like that here, and the 16d nails bent as they went from the block into the old studs. Drilling the joists for wiring smoked the old cheap drill.

-- aem sends...

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the advice. I'll scab up a place to connect the rockboard using some of my long drywall screws.

Jon

A single screw with construction adhesive should be easiest on the adjacent drywall.

Joe

Ah, thanks Joe, I'll squirt some liquid nails on it before screwing it on.

Jon

That's a nice way of presenting a drawing. What software program did you use?

Thanks