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While coaches hype up players all the time, especially in the offseason, there’s no more accurate predictor of future success than that from players’ peers.
It’s rare when a current or former player raves about the ability of one of their teammates and we don’t see tangible proof before our very eyes not too long after.
Now that Cesar Ruiz is preparing himself for the NFL after leaving a year early, he’s getting ready to partake in the drills component of the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. But, during is interview time with the media, he’s taking a look back on his now-former teammates, and says that one defensive player in particular is going to be a standout in his senior season for the Wolverines.
“There’s a lot of players,” Ruiz said. “Brad Hawkins on the defensive side of the ball. He had an ankle thing that kept him out a little bit. But if you watch what he’s able to do on the field, if you watch what he’s able to do in practice, he’s special. I think Brad Hawkins is going to have a great season and no one’s really talking about it. Which I’m surprised. But I believe something special is coming for Brad.”
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Ruiz didn’t single out anyone offensively, exactly, but also has his eyes on the offensive line, which, obviously, considering that’s where he played.
Michigan loses four starters — three to graduation and Ruiz to the draft — this upcoming year, and while Ruiz isn’t giving up names of players who aren’t weathered and experienced, he does have a lot of faith in the lone returning starter in Jalen Mayfield.
Still, he’s excited to see who ends up lining up alongside the redshirt sophomore right tackle.
“Right now, the leader of the group is going to have to be Jalen Mayfield at right tackle,” Ruiz said. “He’s the only experienced one left. There’s a lot of young guys. Four young guys are going to be in there battling for a starting position. There’s going to be a lot of new faces that Michigan fans aren’t used to seeing. It’s going to be fun to see who fills in those spots. But Jalen Mayfield knows it’s time for him to step up.”
