Hector Ruiz 6-4 280 Jr. OL Mariner #62 |
Versatility and aggressiveness, to go along with outstanding size and strength are essential for any college line prospect, and Mariner (Everett) OL/DL Hector Ruiz 6-4 270) is a player who has all of those traits. Throw in the fact that he also has a great work-ethic and you have a player to keep an eye on this year.
“I played all over our line the past two years,” Ruiz told Northwest Elite Index recently while attending the Barton Elite workout this past Saturday at Garfield High School. “If they needed me inside, that’s where I played. If they needed me outside, I felt comfortable out there too. Wherever I could play and stay on the field, I did what they needed me to do.”
Last season for the Marauders, Ruiz also started on the defensive side of the ball, totaling 36 tackles and two sacks from his defensive tackle position.
“Right now I’m mainly working on my speed, my quickness and my power,” Ruiz noted. “I run a lot and that’s something that I’ve really focused a lot on so I can be in better shape and I just do a lot of self-motivation and just hitting the weights with my friends. Then I come (to the Barton camps) and compete against some of the top guys in the state. It really helps you get better with all of the competition and the coaching you get.”
As far as who he’ll block for this year, Ruiz couldn’t care less, but one of his close friends will graduate in June and he couldn’t happier for him.
“We are all really happy for Keivarae (Russell) and what he’s accomplished,” Ruiz said. “He was a big part of our team, our identity, but we have some really good young backs to keep an eye on and me and the rest of the linemen will do our best to open holes so they can make plays.”
On the recruiting front, Ruiz has yet to hear from some schools, but that hasn’t deterred him as he’s got a quick smile and he really helps coach the younger players during drills.
“We’re out here to have fun, but you also gotta work hard,” Ruiz said. “I love to play football and I love working with great guys like we have out here. I haven’t heard from any schools yet, but if I keep working on my game and just focusing on the things I can control, that will keep me centered where I need to be when it’s all said and done.”
We will have more from Ruiz in the near future as he continues to prepare for his senior season of football.
