Scouting Report
Approved · Nov 3, 2026Samuel Cruz
Overall grade
- 0-49Undetermined
- 50-59D-III / Dev
- 60-69D-II / NAIA
- 70-74FCS
- 75-84Group of 5
- 85-89Power 4
- 90-94Blue Chip
- 95-100Elite / Top 100
High-effort, leverage-driven interior offensive lineman who wins as a run blocker. Verified at 5-foot-8.5, 251 pounds in February 2026. The height is well below ideal for the position, and it is the central issue in this profile. Size is going to be a problem once he faces greater competition and bigger opponents. There is no verified wingspan, but he appears to lack length, and that is the compounding problem. Short arms on a short frame is a difficult combination to overcome on the interior, and it is what limits him most against longer defenders. That said, he carries his weight…
Top Attributes
- Pad level and understanding of leverage; knows how to manipulate defenders at the point of attack. - Leg drive and ability to move people in the run game once he’s attached. Plays through the whistle and loves contact. - Plays with good functional strength, backed by a 40-plus-foot shot put, and moves defenders off the line of scrimmage.
Areas to Develop
- Lack of size and length is the biggest limiting factor, particularly against longer, bigger competition. - Needs to develop his anchor and convert his play strength into stopping power when sitting down rushers. - Must improve his punch and hand placement to win first contact more consistently, lateral improvement will help his body positioning as well.
Film Review Notes
Able to watch the latest film. Quality burst off the line of scrimmage. Plays with low pad level and fires off the line in order to initiate contact. Possesses good leg drive when engaged with defenders. Has a desire and tenacity to drive defenders off the ball and through the whistle. Loves contact and the physicality of the game. Solid play strength and ability to manhandle defenders at the point of attack. Has a great understanding of leverage and how to manipulate defenders at the point of attack. Quality people mover in the run game, especially once he gets his hands on defenders. Does a good job of creating lanes in the run game and walling off defenders. Size is going to be an issue once he faces greater competition and larger opponents. Lack of length can be apparent, especially in pass rush when facing longer defenders. Struggles to punch and win with his hand placement due to lack of length. Has some issues in pass protection when he is unable to attach to rushers. Decent foot speed but needs to continue to get better laterally and cover ground more efficiently in space. Needs to work on his anchor ability and maximize his play strength when engaged or sitting down defenders.
Graded Skills
0–10 Scale
- 6Size
- 6.1Frame/length
- 6.5Flexibility/bend
- 6.9Strength
- 6.4Agility
- 6.5Punch
- 6.7Run blocking
- 6Pass blocking
- 6.1Anchor
- 7.2Physicality/effort
