An All-Ohio linebacker, successful student and a role model at Clearview, linebacker Ayden Cruz has come a long way.
Dec. 5, the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association released Division V All-Ohio, on which the multi-sport athlete was awarded first-team honors.
“He had an injury, I believe his sophomore year, and that held him out (after not playing football his freshman year). Man, has he come a long way,” Clearview coach Mike Collier said. “I think his love for the game has grown. He has played since he was little. He is an all-around athlete, as a three-sport guy for us at Clearview and (is projected to) graduate with about 12 varsity letters.”
Cruz finished his Clearview football career as a two-time All-Ohioan. He was an honorable mention in 2022, which triggered him toward reaching a first-, second- or third-team selection for his senior year. This came after he was named the D-V Northeast Lakes District Defensive Player of the Year.
“(Getting accolades) is an honor,” he said. “I told my dad last year that I was upset about not making first, second, or third team for All-Ohio. I got an honorable mention. It dug something into me to put in work. It came to show this year.”
He was one of seven Clippers to be named All-Ohio along with running back Ethan Lorenzana (second team), quarterback Cy Christensen (third), Malcolm Lane (third), offensive lineman Greg O’Hern (third), Punter Conner Kane (third) and defensive lineman Josiah Longo (honorable mention).
High school football: OPSWA Division IV, Division V All-Ohio team
Cruz made an impact on both sides of the ball at linebacker and wide receiver. He caught 51 passes for 541 yards and five touchdowns. He was also more than willing to do the tough blocking assignments to help teammates find success, which set the tone for the team.
“He makes big plays, and he is a great blocker out there, too,” Christensen said. “He’s not pass blocking, but when I give (Lorenzana) the ball, he is one of our best blockers, for sure. … That means a lot for the team. Doing all of the dirty work helps the team out a lot.”
Defense was where he made his biggest mark, as a safety-linebacker hybrid. He led a defense with four returning All-Ohioans, along with Josiah Longo, Greg O’Hern and Keith Colvin. The defense came into many games undersized, but its toughness and physicality made up for size.
“Whether it would be offense, defense, or special teams, (Cruz) gave nonstop effort. His passion and love of the game shows out,” Collier said. “He’s blocked kicks and blocked punts, tackles, with tough, hard hits on the field, makes big catches for us on third downs and things like that. It wasn’t just one single thing. Even though he was recognized as defensive player of the year. He is a great football player all the way around.”
Cruz was vital to Clearview’s success that resulted in a 10-3 (6-1 in Lorain County League) record. The Clippers advanced to a D-V, Region 17 semifinal for the first time in 20 years. They were eliminated by defending D-V state champion South Range.
As crucial his impact was, he always tried to lead with positive energy, which was infectious to his teammates.
“I just try to bring the energy, keep everyone up. I never put negative thoughts in anyone’s mind,” Cruz said. “I try to have them visualize what they are going to do on that field, go out on that field and make the biggest play that they can.”
The positive mindset helped fuel a 16-0 comeback against Norwayne in a D-V, Region 17 quarterfinal, without Christensen. Clearview won, 19-16.
“The positivity picks them up. Not having a good first half of football (against Norwayne),” he said. “Going into halftime, I told them that we have to wake up or we have 24 guaranteed minutes left, if we don’t show what we can do, it is going to be the end of it.”
Cruz is a three-sport student-athlete in football, basketball and baseball. He even participated in track and field for a year. Perhaps the most success that he’s found is off the field.
“He’s a leader. He is an amazing guy. He looks out for us, even outside of football,” Lorenzana said. “He is like family. If we need to go somewhere, he’s (with us) and is always great for us.”
He ranks first in his class, with a 4.484 grade-point average that is full of college classes. He has also volunteered around Lorain, as well as being an employee at the T3 Performance facility in Avon.
With all of the responsibilities on his plate, he’s able to manage his time and excel.
“I study when I can and get my work done when I can. I never try to slack on anything like that or procrastinate. I just get work done,” he said.
At 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, Cruz still feels like there is plenty of room for improvement in the weight room and continues to work on his body. He has seen interest in multiple D-III programs and some in D-II.
“I am still undersized for the position that I do play,” he said. “I try to do the best part that I can to overcome that adversity. My family has been an undersized family. They always push me to make sure that I put on weight.”
When his career is said and done. Cruz wants to be remembered as a great leader and role model.
“I would say that it’s bigger than the game. Being able to be looked at from the other kids and the community as a great kid,” he said. “That is something that I want to be looked at. I don’t want to be looked at as just an athlete.”
