Name: Jordan Cruz
School: Roosevelt/Robert Morris
Position: T/C/G
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 281
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
I wanted to make more than honorable mention for my final year and I did that with receiving 2nd team all conference.
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
I wanted to return to my school for my masters but unfortunately they did not have an advancement in what I was trying to do, I used these last 4-5 months to just continue my training and make some extra money for this push. I have been more than ready for this kind of opportunity and am very excited for this because I have been consistent with what I’m trying to accomplish.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
My coaches would say that I am a man that leads by example, I don’t say much during practice or even in weight lifting sessions but when I’m in the zone I command the respect from my teammates and that’s something that you couldn’t ask more of. My teammates know in games that I’m a leader through and through and it doesn’t matter what position you play on my team I got your back and I’m gonna be engaged with all three phases. Also while doing my job to the best of my abilities and that’s at a high level because I do prepare as such.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
The first thing I do since I was a center my sophomore/ junior year is that I’m very knowledgeable about which fronts are being presented and the many cues defensive lines can give off on any given snap to where they might be going or who they may be stunting with. That’s the first thing I’m able to decipher, once I can get a good idea of what kind of defenses are being ran it’ll allow me to hone in on each individual I may be facing that game, most of the time it’s a wide arrange of guys. In turn that makes me lock in to how they are angled, how much weight they might have on that hand in the ground, where they look pre snap or who they look at. These are all things that once you are able to grasp it truly makes the games easier because there isn’t much that will throw you off, of course things can happen but you prepare how you play and that is what I think is a pivotal in offensive linemen to be able to play at a high level.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
I think I’m truly a very versatile lineman that can play all 5 positions, I have enough size and play strength and my feet are quick which has really has helped me play all of these positions and have success in all of them. I know that my overall knowledge of how defensive lineman play, paired with my deep knowledge of offensive line play just is a big help in how fast I can recognize things happening in real time and I think I have shown that. My communication with coaches and especially my teammates is a big reason why my team was one of the top leaders in the NAIA with running the football for the 3 years that I started. With that being said I was able to step into a role that pushed my o-line to new heights while I was there.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
My plan has been consistent, train at a gym I’ve been going to for a long time and being able to hit the football field at least 4/5 times a week to be consistent with my technique and continue to refine it. I also like staying on the field, it keeps my mind ready for whenever this opportunity was going to come.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I will bring many qualities but the more important ones are my hardworking mentality, ability to mesh with anyone, leader through preparation and play and someone that will always give it his all no matter what. If football has taught me anything is you get what you put into it and I’ve gotten this far.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
My final pitch is simple, just give me a chance to prove myself, because I can guarantee I’m not one to come waste someone’s time I’ve been ready and under looked and I’m ready for someone to see the potential I know I have. Im ready to work and I’m ready to change how smaller school athletes are looked at.
