NFL CAREER – An incredibly athletic and intelligent lineman, Ruiz overcame a training camp injury to be plugged in almost immediately to see regular snaps for the Saints after being selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, playing in 15 games with nine starts at right guard as a rookie. In 2021, he was the only offensive player on the club to open all 17 contests. The former Michigan standout has the flexibility to play all three interior positions, opening games at both right guard and center in 2021.
CAREER TRANSACTIONS – Signed, 7/27/20; Selected in the first round (24th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft.
2021 – Only offensive player on the Saints to open all 17 contests. After starting the Week One season-opening win over Green Bay at right guard, moved to center for the next four contests due to Erik McCoy's injury, before returning to right guard for the final 12 games. 2020 – Played in 15 games with nine starts at right guard and opened both postseason contests…Started vs. Atlanta, blocking for an offense that gained 168 yards rushing…Started at Denver, Nov. 29, and blocked for an offense that rushed for 229 yards and four TDs…Started vs. Minnesota, Dec. 25, for an offense that rushed for a season-high 264 yards and club-record seven TDs, including an NFL record-tying six by RB Alvin Kamara.
COLLEGE – Started his final 31 games at Michigan during a 36 game career – five at right guard and the final 26 at center…Opened all 13 games in 2019 and was selected second-team All-Big Ten by conference coaches…In 2018, earned All-Big Ten third-team (coaches), starting all 13 games at center…In 2017, played in ten games and made five starts at right guard…Majored in Afro-American and African studies.
PERSONAL - Attended IMG (Bradenton, Fla.) Academy, where he helped lead his team to undefeated seasons in both 2015 and 2016…As a senior in 2016, anchored an IMG offensive line that helped the IMG offense produce 2,000 yards through the air and 1,879 yards on the ground in 11 games…Played in the 2017 Under Armour All-American Game…ESPN four-star recruit, ranked No. 69 nationally and the No. 1 center…Attended the 2016 "Opening" Nike Camp in Beaverton, Oregon…Transferred to IMG from Camden (N.J.) High School, where he spent his first two years.
