Blue-Grey Jersey Presentation Tour: Gunner Cruz

Surrounded by parents, Washington State commit Gunner Cruz (center) was recognized during a stop on the nationwide Blue-Grey Jersey Presentation Tour.

Every year, moreover right around this time, the staff from Blue-Grey Football, with a collection of NFL veterans and administrators, hits the road on the brand’s nationwide Jersey Presentation Tour.

The goal is to promote the All-American Bowl and a select few of the nation’s top prospects in the Class of 2019 are recognized in front of family and friends. The community in general, to that end.

Four games soon take place, each of them at an NFL venue, specifically Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium, Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Raymond James Stadium and Houston Texans’ NRG Stadium.

The action from the All-American Bowl will be nationally broadcast on ESPN3 or Impact Football Network (check your local listings). Similar to year’s past, the footage will be permanently archived.

One of the more recognizable national names around, Gunner Cruz from Casteel (AZ) recently received an acknowledgement. A Washington State commit, he was a deserving recipient.

The 6-foot-4 and 205-pound quarterback will line up for West vs. East on Dec. 17 at AT&T Stadium and be coached by NFL veteran Mark McMillian. “Gunner is the real deal,” the one-time pro said.

Cruz was the nation’s No. 27 player at his position in the 247Sports Composite Rankings, an accurate talent indicator as the tool takes into account evaluations of all the major recruiting services.

College coaches and scouts appeared to agree with his upside. Prior to the pledge to the Cougars, he had double-digits offers, some the Mountain West Conference and Conference USA.

Also worth mentioning, teams from the ACC and Big 12 Conference were in the mix for a potential commitment from Cruz, with Syracuse and Baylor at, or near, the top of a long list.

Another factor to consider was the scholarship in place from nearby Arizona State and the obvious lure of staying close to home. Arizona was a player on the recruiting front as well.

In the end, however, all signs pointed the best possible fit being in Pullman (WA) and he’ll head for his new home after a highly-anticipated appearance in the brand’s All-American Bowl.

Editor’s note: With four games planned this year and more than 400 prospects participating, each individual will receive an official Jersey Presentation during All-American Bowl Weekend with the brand’s NFL veteran coaching staff in attendance. In addition, plenty of national and local media will be on hand for the event.