Quick Hits

POSITION: Cornerback

HEIGHT: 5-foot-10

WEIGHT: 165

HOMETOWN: Lake Villa, IL

HIGH SCHOOL: Lakes Community

247 COMPOSITE SCORE: .841

NATIONAL RANKING: 1069

POSITION RANK: 116

STATE RANK: 25

OTHER OFFERS: None

MORE: 247 profile | Hudl | Twitter

Background

Cameron Ruiz was not on the recruiting radar whatsoever until Northwestern landed him in April 2016. That doesn’t seem to make much sense once you view his highlight tape. He’s really, really fast. He has the ability to play offense, defense or special teams, although he’s primarily listed as a cornerback.

Ruiz is also an excellent track and field athlete, having won Illinois Class 3A state titles in the triple jump and long jump. With his athletic ability, Ruiz probably could have received a spot on a college track team if he wanted.

After he committed to Northwestern, 247 Sports gave Ruiz a three-star ranking. Ruiz was a two-way star for Lakes Community High School. He predictably put up great numbers on offense (his MaxPreps site only lists two games played, but apparently he racked up over 400 yards in those contests) and he also played a bunch of snaps on defense in high school. He’s a tad small at 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds, but hopefully he can make up for it with his quickness.

Outlook

Northwestern loves its speedy all-purpose offensive and defensive weapons. Ruiz can provide defensive depth to the cornerback or safety position, which was battered by injury last season. Considering Roderick Campbell played a few snaps last season and were of similar recruiting pedigree, Ruiz could fill in there. Though there’s an impressive number of cornerbacks returning next season, Ruiz’s speed alone could help him earn a spot on special team right away, and if not, he’s still one to keep an eye out for in the future.