Arizona State special teams’ took a hit Monday afternoon when local product Brandon Ruiz announced on social media he was leaving the program.
The former Williams Field High School star didn’t kick in a game this year after suffering a lower-body injury at some point this off-season. Head coach Herm Edwards said at his weekly press conference Monday Ruiz “felt a little twinge” when kicking on the side this past weekend.
The junior standout was named to the Lou Groza Award preseason watch list after connecting on 18 of 22 field goal attempts and making all 45 of his extra points last fall as a sophomore and was named the Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week after hitting a 28-yard game-winning field goal against then 15th-ranked Michigan State last September in Tempe.
The Devils’ kicking responsibilities will not rest solely on the right foot of one-time walk-on Cristian Zendejas. The sophomore has been successful on 10 of his 13 attempts this year, including all 12 PAT’s.
Coming off their recent bye week, ASU returns to the field hosting Washington State Saturday afternoon.
Sports360AZ
