Michigan will have a big hole to fill in the middle of its offensive line next season.
Junior center Cesar Ruiz announced Friday that's declaring for the 2020 NFL Draft.
Ruiz, one of the prized recruits in Michigan's celebrated 2017 class, started all 13 games each of the last two seasons. He was named second-team All-Big Ten in 2019 by the conference's coaches.
"Since the day I touched a football field I knew I wanted to play in the National Football League," Ruiz said via Twitter. "It’s always been my dream, and now I am ready to make my dream a reality. I will be foregoing my senior season and declaring for the 2020 NFL Draft."
All Glory To The Most High ---- LOVE -- pic.twitter.com/DG0S3bVI51
— King Ruiz 〰️---- (@_OverCees)
January 3, 2020 "I would like to thank the University of Michigan for helping craft me into the man that I am today," Ruiz said. "It is truly an honor to be able to wear the maize and blue. I’m proud to be a Michigan Man."
The Wolverines will also have to replace All-American guard and co-captain Ben Bredeson next season, who's set to graduate this spring.
