Takeaways from live evaluations of On300 Texas commit Daniel Cruz, top-100 RB Michael Turner
Football season is in full swing — and action on the recruiting trail is getting red-hot as we dip deeper into the fall.
After another weekend of visits and live evaluations, here is the latest on several blue-chippers in the 2024 and 2025 classes from On3 National Recruiting Analyst Sam Spiegelman:
4-star IOL Daniel Cruz – Texas commit
Daniel Cruz set the tone for a downhill rushing attack for North Richland Hills (Texas) Richland that took over in the second half of playoff battle and produced more than 300 yards on the ground. The 6-foot-4, 300-pound Cruz got the start at center for the Royals, and certainly offers some more position versatility to also potentially slide at a guard spot, too.
Cruz moves extremely well blocking out in space. He plays low and explodes out of his stance, and kicked it into a different gear during the game’s second half. Cruz has fantastic feet, was sharp in pass-pro and anchored well, and was a needle-mover as a run-blocker with his ability to pull out in space. A well-rounded interior OL prospect with a nasty streak to him, Cruz has the tools and football IQ to be Kyle Flood’s offensive line anchor for the foreseeable future.
On3 ranks the Longhorns’ OL commitment higher than the rest of the recruiting industry.
4-star RB Michael Turner – 2025
Michael Turner was the driving force of the Richland High School offense for four quarters in a comeback overtime playoff victory last weekend. The junior back from the Dallas Metroplex piled up 309 yards on 45 carries and four rushing touchdowns and a fifth touchdown reception. Turner averaged nearly 7 yards per touch — which included action out of the backfield between the tackles and as a pass-catcher.
The 6-foot, 190-pound Turner fits the bill as a true three-down back. Turner converted several short-yardage downs and was even more impactful around the goal line, and showcased the ability to push the pile and create yardage through contact. Turner also flashed speed to beat defenders around the edge and to separate from a crowd, has soft hands and outstanding cutting ability.
Turner is tabbed as the No. 7-ranked RB in the On300 for next year’s recruiting cycle. On3 is higher on the 2025 standout than the rest of the recruiting industry.
3-star LB Miller Malone – Western Kentucky commit
Several players made their presence felt on the Mont Belvieu (Texas) Barbers Hill defense in the area round of the playoffs, and that includes LB Miller Malone. The hard-hitting Western Kentucky commitment out of Southeast Texas flew around the ball and packed a serious punch when he made contact. Malone has a good feel for the flow of the game and consistently puts himself around the ball. In a pure football sense, Malone plays downhill at a high clip.
On3 ranks Malone as the No. 212 LB in the nation.