The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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PREP PROFILES Michigan signed two players from Camden (N.J.) High School in the 2016 class. Though Brad Hawkins Jr. and Ron Johnson didn't play along- side former teammate Cesar Ruiz in their senior year, the 2017 center pros- pect still has plenty of connections to the Maize and Blue through them. Now playing his final two years of high school ball at Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy, the four-star remains high on the Wolverines. "People always have the perspec- tive that I'm going to go there because they're going there, but I'm my own person," Ruiz said. "Of course, it's good to go to a school that you know you'll really have a bond. I'm pretty cool with like five Michigan commits, the New Jersey guys. "Last time I visited, it was three commits [Hawkins, Johnson, and Ce- dar Creek wide receiver Ahmir Mitch- ell], it got pretty crazy with them in my ear. But it was a great visit." Ruiz plans to make another visit to Ann Arbor for the Wolverines' spring game April 1. Joining him will be a pair of IMG teammates, offensive lineman Robert Hainsey and defen- sive back Elvis Hines Jr. (who also hails from Camden). While Ruiz plans his due diligence in checking out a number of schools —including Alabama, Clemson, LSU, Oklahoma and Penn State — Michi- gan stands in strong position for the 6-3, 313-pounder that is rated as the top center and No. 106 overall pros- pect nationally in the 2017 class by Rivals.com. "I'm trying to take as many visits as I can," he said. "I'm trying to make my decision by the end of November — definitely by the Under Armour All-American Game. "I plan to be an early enrollee, so it could be sooner." Michigan hasn't signed a true cen- ter since Patrick Kugler in the 2013 class, and reeling in Ruiz would be a huge boost to the Wolverines. "The four-star prospect is a well- rounded lineman that can play cen- ter or guard," Rivals.com Southeast recruiting analyst Rob Cassidy said. "He moves well for a player of his size and has been well coached through- out his career. "He will continue to improve rap- idly as he gets stronger." Michigan fans are hoping he takes that talent to Ann Arbor, following a strong New Jersey pipeline, albeit with a Florida detour in his case. — Tim Sullivan IMG Academy Lineman Has Michigan Connections ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ IMG Academy Bradenton, Fla. Class: 2017 Position: Offensive Lineman Ht.: 6-3 • Wt.: 313 Rivals.com Rankings: No. 27 player in Florida, and No. 1 center and No. 106 overall player nationally Cesar Ruiz