Another scouting report on Cesar Ruiz

From Dane Brugler's scouting report which came out a couple weeks ago.

2 OC. CESAR RUIZ | Michigan 6026 | 307 lbs. | JR. Camden, N.J. (IMG Academy) 6/14/1999 (age 20.86) #51 Overall

BACKGROUND: Cesar Ruiz (roo-EEZ) Jr. was born and raised in Camden, New Jersey, an area known for its high crime rate, just across the river from Philadelphia. His father (Cesar Sr.) passed away in a roadside accident December 2007) when he helped someone change a flat tire. At only eight years old, Ruiz understandably
struggled to cope with the tragedy, which led him to football as his outlet. He attended Camden High School for two years, moving from offensive tackle to center as
a sophomore and blossoming into a highly recruited player. To escape the violence in Camden, Ruiz transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. for his final two prep seasons. As the starting center, he led the program to back-to-back undefeated seasons in 2015 snapping the ball to Shea Patterson) and 2016, earning Under Armour All-American honors as a senior.
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A four-star offensive center recruit, Ruiz was ranked as the consensus No. 1 center in the 2017 recruiting cycle and the No. 8 recruit in the state of Florida (Alabama’s
Alex Leatherwood was the only offensive lineman from Florida ranked ahead of him). He narrowed his college choice to Auburn, Florida, Michigan and North Carolina,
committing to the Wolverines. He joined several former New Jersey players on the roster, including former Camden teammates Ron Johnson and Brad Hawkins. Ruiz
elected to skip his senior season and enter the 2020 NFL Draft.

YEAR (GP/GS) POSITION NOTES
2017: (10/5) RG Started the final five games
2018: (13/13) OC Third team All-Big Ten
2019: (13/13) OC Second team All-Big Ten
Total: (36/31) 26 OC, 5 RG
HT WT ARM HAND WING 40-YD 20-YD 10-YD VJ BJ SS 3C BP
COMBINE 6026 307 33 1/8 11 79 5/8 5.08 2.94 1.77 33 09’05” 4.64 7.91 28
PRO DAY N/A (Pro Day canceled)

STRENGTHS: Thick, compact build in his upper and lower halves…keeps his hands relaxed and his knees bent at contact…re-leverages his hands to anchor vs.
power…efficient mobility…fluid out of his stance as a puller with the body control to swing his hips through the hole…stretches front side to hook on outside zone
runs…makes split-second reads to adjust on the fly…combos well from line of scrimmage to linebacker…well-timed from point of attack to second level…described as “enthusiastic” and the “ideal teammate,” according to staffers behind the scenes at Michigan…experienced at center and guard…durable and finished his college
career with 31 straight starts.

WEAKNESSES: Not a technically-sound player from snap-to-snap…inconsistent pad level and caught lunging, which leads to balance issues…on the ground more than
necessary…mobile, but not a rangy or explosive mover…flat steps cause his feet to get a little heavy…late to redirect vs. inside moves…responsible for six penalties in 2019 and needs to improve his discipline…killer instinct seems to come and go in the run game.

SUMMARY: A three-year starter at Michigan, Ruiz was the starting center in offensive coordinator Josh Gattis’ spread, pro style scheme, starting every game there the last two seasons. The coaches speak highly of his confidence and understanding of protections, which earned him playing time as a true freshman (Harbaugh:
“Players gravitate to him and coaches like him”). While not explosive, Ruiz plays with efficient movement patterns and outstanding body control, sitting in his stance with the awareness to make quick adjustments. He moves his feet well to gain proper angles, load his hands and drive his feet, but sacrifices his balance at times.
Overall, Ruiz’s technique tends to break down when rushed, but he is very steady in pass protection and continues to grow as a run blocker, displaying all the
ingredients to be a longtime NFL starting center.

GRADE: 2nd Round