Interview: 3-Star 2023 California OL Tyson Ruffins Updates College Camp Circuit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Certain offensive linemen dominate the opposition, but few push through defenders the way Tyson Ruffins does for Long Beach Poly. The 6-3, 305-pound, standout is really easy to identify on the snap, because he has taken the guy across from him 10 yards downfield in a hurry. After being that anchor at left tackle for the Jackrabbits that resulted in a 4-0 season in 2020 with All-Moore League honors earned, two scholarship offers have been extended with interest on the rise this summer after competing at college camps.
In an RNG first-look interview, Ruffins updates us on his move to the interior for the 2021 season and how he has dominated at local and Ohio State camps.
Interview
Tyson, if we are ever on the same field together, please let me know ahead of time the colored shirt you are wearing because I don’t want to be the guy on “the other team” after watching game film on you.
(Laughs) Yeah.
I like seeing the nasty streak in offensive linemen, but you take that mentality to another level. What fires you up for a game putting defenders on roller skates like that?
I like seeing my team getting ready for a game, I want to contribute as much as I can.
With that leg drive and hand placement on run blocking, what are the lifts you are doing in the weight room that are translating onto the field?
Mostly bench pressing and cleaning, which helps with hip drive through.
What are some of your weight room maxes?
I got 405 on squat, but it has been a while since I maxed out on that, and a one-rep 315 max on bench.
What are the strengths to your game with your pass-pro?
A lot of people say I have good hand placement and punch. What I want to work on the most is my foot movement and feet so I don’t get exposed by the fast guys.
Let’s stick with that, what are you working on with your technique this offseason?
This offseason I am focusing more on run blocking. Going to the camps, I am doing a lot of one-on-ones which helps with pass blocking. With my team, I want to get better with run blocking, my hand placement and foot speed.
Will you be playing left tackle again in 2021?
This year I will be playing more on the interior, because my coaches want me there in case I don’t grow. Most college coaches want me at guard or center.
Have you been to any national camps this offseason?
Yes, I went to a Rivals combine and an Adidas camp.
Have you competed at any college camps?
Yes, I went to an Ohio State camp and Redlands camps.
Tell me about the Ohio State camp. How was that?
It was good. The competition on the east coast is different than here.
How so?
The kids, they were bigger and stronger, but they were not as technically sound.
How did you perform in the one-on-ones at Ohio State?
Pretty good. I didn’t really lose out there. It was cool.
At the college camps, what are the coaches talking to you about with your skills?
They mostly talk about my one-on-ones. That is something I have perfected over time.
Are there any other upcoming college camps on your schedule?
This weekend I am going to a Yale camp. I am almost done with my camp season. It is time to start focusing on playing with my team.
Let’s get into recruiting. Which programs are showing interest in you?
I have been talking to a Boise State coach, Oregon’s coaches, and UNLV at the Redlands camps.
How many offers are you holding?
Two: Moran State and Idaho State.
Have you gone on any visits this month?
Yes, one to UNLV and a short one at Ohio State.
What all did you see and do during the UNLV visit?
They showed us the facilities, the weight room, and their position coaches talked to us about the school, why it would be a good school to go to.
Tyson, I appreciate your time today. Keep up the hard work this summer.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Ruffins family; Tyson Ruffins