Four-Star IOL Daniel Cruz commits to Texas

Four-star interior offensive lineman Daniel Cruz of North Richland Hills (TX) High announced his commitment to Texas Wednesday afternoon.

The 6-foot-4, 295 pounder chose the Longhorns over Ohio State, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma.

Cruz on why he chose Texas

“Ultimately what led to my decision to choose Texas and what stood out to me was definitely coach Flood! His personality and coaching style really fit me well and the people on the team were really genuine. I fit super well with them. I know Texas is coming back. These next couple of years are going to be special. Even Arch (Manning) hit me up and told me we got a special few years ahead of us and I’m excited for that!”

Relationship with coaching staff + their plan for him

“My relationship with coach Flood is amazing and coach Choice as well!! They’re always pumped and excited. They plan on using me as a center for sure and ability to play guard as well but I’m going to try coming in and fighting for that starting center spot for sure.”

The Lone Star State interior offensive lineman joins coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns’ top 30 class in the 2024 team rankings. He is accompanied by four-star wide receiver Freddie Dubose Jr., four-star cornerback Santana Wilson, and others.

Nelson ranks as the No. 198 player in the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also tabs in as the No. 12 interior offensive lineman and the No. 38 player in the state of Texas.

On3 ranks him higher than the industry, as he tabs in as the No. 150 player nationally, the No. 7 interior offensive lineman, and the No. 33 player in Texas.

He currently has an On3 NIL Valuation of $68K. The On3 NIL Valuation is the industry’s leading index that sets high school and college athletes’ projected annual value (PAV). The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.