[jwplayer BmUgTLrA-XNcErKyb]
Michigan will have to find a new center in 2020.
The Wolverines will already have to reload the bulk of its offensive line, with Jon Runyan Jr., Ben Bredeson and Michael Onwenu graduating. Center Cesar Ruiz — a New Jersey native, who played high school ball at Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy — has another year of intercollegiate eligibility remaining, but now it doesn’t matter as it pertains to the future of the program.
The junior center took to Twitter on Friday to announce that he will forgo his final season at the college level and will try his hand at the pro level, as he’s announcing his inclusion into the 2020 NFL Draft.
All Glory To The Most High 🤲🏾 LOVE 💙 pic.twitter.com/DG0S3bVI51
— King Ruiz 〰️🏵🐻 (@_OverCees) January 3, 2020
With the former four-star departing, Michigan will now look to fill out a whole new offensive line. Jalen Mayfield is entrenched at one of the tackle positions, and Ryan Hayes — who started in the first two games with Runyan unable to go with injury — assuredly will fill in at the other. The interior is less clear, however, with Chuck Filiaga likely being at one of the guard spots.
Freshman Zach Carpenter reportedly has played well at the center position in his first year.