North Carolina State University Athletics
2026 Football Roster
Daniel Cruz
- Position:
- OL
- Class:
- Redshirt Sophomore
- Hometown:
- N. Richland Hills, Tex.
- High School:
- Richland
- Prev School:
- Texas
AS RS-FRESHMAN (2025 AT TEXAS):
• Saw action in two games (Sam Houston and Arkansas).
AS A FRESHMAN (2024 AT TEXAS):
• Did not see action, he redshirted the season.
HIGH SCHOOL:
• A four-year starter at right guard.
• Played at Richland High School where he was part of an offense that averaged 47.1 points per game and scored 50 or more points in six games. Richland offense averaged 432.9 yards of offense per game including 226.3 rushing yards. Helped Richland to a 12-1 record, an 8-0 district mark and title and an appearance in the 5A Division 1 regional playoffs in 2023.
• Honors: An All-American and three-time all-district honoree. Selected to participate in the 2024 Under Armour All-America Game. Named the District 5-5A Division 1 Outstanding Lineman of the Year and first-team all-district in 2023. Earned first-team all-district 5-5A honors as a junior in 2022. A District 4-5A Division 1 first-team selection as a sophomore in 2021
• Rankings: No. 149 nationally, No. 10 among interior offensive linemen and No. 26 overall in the state of Texas by On3. Ranked No. 160 nationally, No. 5 among offensive guards and No. 27 overall in the state of Texas by Rivals. Rated No. 23 among interior offensive linemen nationally and No. 66 overall in the state of Texas by 247Sports. Ranked No. 16 among offensive tackles nationally and No. 53 overall in the state of Texas by ESPN. Member of the top 300 All-American team by PrepStar.
PERSONAL:
• Major: Communication