Charleston Southern University Athletics

2016

• 2016 Big South Second Team All-Conference selection
• 25th in the Big South in Tackles per game
• 14th in the Big South in Tackles per game by a linebacker
• Fourth on the Bucs with 49 tackles
• Fifth on the team with 25 unassisted tackles, Third on the team with 24 assisted tackles
• Finished the season with two sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss
• Finished the season with a fumble recovery, an interception, and a pass breakup
• Season-high seven tackles and two sacks on November 19 against Kennesaw State
• Season-high seven tackles, 1.0 tackles for loss, a fumble recovery, and a pass breakup on August 27 at North Dakota State
• Recorded an interception with a 38 yard return on October 29 against Bucknell
• Six tackles twice (September 10 at Florida State, October 1 at Coastal Carolina)

2015

• Started all 13 games and finished third on the team with 64 tackles
• Knowledge of defensive scheme was key for CSU defense that ranked among nation’s best
• Also tallied 4.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and an interception
• Earned his first career start in the season opener vs. North Greenville (9/3) and recorded a then career-high eight tackles
• Had an interception against ETSU (9/17) that led to one of five second quarter touchdowns
• Played a big role in CSU’s shutout of Gardner-Webb (10/24), notching seven tackles and 1.5 TFL
• Starred again the following week as CSU toppled top-ranked Coastal Carolina (10/31), as he posted a career-high 11 tackles
• Was important factor against Liberty (11/14), finishing with six tackles, 1.5 TFL and a fumble recovery
• Helped CSU put forth a dominant defensive effort in the FCS Playoff win over The Citadel (12/5), recording six tackles and a fumble recovery

2014: Played in eight games at linebacker and helped out a CSU defense that led the Big South in total defense, pass defense and run defense...Recorded four tackles and 0.5 tackle for loss...Made collegiate debut in the rout of Point (8/28), assisting on two tackles...Made first solo stop in the loss at Coastal Carolina (10/25)...Posted a tackle in the shutout win at Monmouth (11/1).

High School: Was named to 2013 All-First Coast Team and All-Northeast Florida Regional Elite Team following his senior year at Yulee High School in Yulee, Fla…Linebacker also earned all-state honorable mention accolades and all-district honors…Recorded 77 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries as a senior.


Personal: Son of Valerie and Earl Cruz...Born March 17, 1996...Majoring in Kinesiology.