Daniel Cruz
Daniel Cruz is a four-star recruit from North Richland Hills, TX, out of Richland (No. 312 in the 2024 class) who has not played in NC State's 8 games this season.
Where Cruz comes from
- North Richland Hills, TX
- Richland
- About 1,050 miles from Carter-Finley Stadium
- Four-star, No. 312 in the 2024 class; signed with Texas.
Where Cruz fits
NC State lists 21 offensive linemen this season.
NC State offensive linemen with a game this season
The team’s line is 33rd in the country in passing-downs success rate this season (a team number).
NC State is 4-4. Next: vs Duke, Sat Nov 7.
Similar players
Same class and position
From Richland
Also from North Richland Hills, TX
Arrived at NC State from Texas.
Awards
A four-star recruit at offensive line for NC State -- now projected at an All-Conference level.
Offensive line play doesn't show up in a box score. Here's what actually tells you whether he's good.
The unit he anchors ranks 33rd nationally in passing-downs success rate this season. See the full unit breakdown →
NC State has produced 6 All-Conference offensive linemen and 1 All-American. 7 have gone on to the NFL Draft since 2016. Ikem Ekwonu was one of them, an All-American.
Three seasons, two schools
- 2026 NC State DoerenYear 3 · Games –
- Jan 2026 Entered the transfer portalTexas to NC State
- 2025 Texas SarkisianYear 2 · Games –
- 2024 Texas SarkisianYear 1 · Games –
- High school RichlandNorth Richland Hills, TX · Class of 2024Four-star, No. 312 in the 2024 class. Signed with Texas.Also from Richland: Michael Turner (Baylor) and CJ Nelson (Ball State).
Moves
- Transferred from Texas to NC State, Jan 12, 2026.
2024
- Signed with TexasFour-star, out of Richland
2026
- Transferred to NC Statefrom Texas
Coaching lineage · 2024–2026
2 coachesPlayed for 2 head coaches at 2 schools: Steve Sarkisian and Dave Doeren.
Next stop · Transfer
Transferred to NC State