Ole Miss Transfer Kicker Jonathan Cruz is excited and ‘ready to get to Oxford and get to work’
OXFORD, Miss. — As Ole Miss football prepares for another big weekend of visits from some of the nation’s top prospects, the Rebels closed the week with a huge commitment on the special teams front from Charlotte transfer kicker Jonathan Cruz.
After four years in the Queen City playing for the 49ers, Cruz announced Friday via Twitter that he will is headed to Ole Miss.
— Jonathan Cruz (@cruzjonathan7) April 8, 2022
The Rebel Walk had the chance to catch up with Jonathan and ask him about his decision to become a Rebel.
“I’m excited to play at Ole Miss for my last season. I can’t wait to be a part of this great program! Just wanted to say thank you to everyone that has supported me throughout this journey. Ready to get to Oxford and get to work! Hotty Toddy🦈“
Kicker Jonathan Cruz on becoming a Rebel
Cruz’ outstanding career at Charlotte
In 2021, Cruz handled all the kicking duties for Charlotte. He was 40-41 on PATs (.976) and kicked a 56-yard FG at Western Kentucky to tie the school record and his own career-best, which was also the longest field goal made in C-USA in 2021, 4th-longest in all of FBS.
Last season, he led the 49ers with 70 points scored.
Here’s a look at some of Cruz’ accomplishments while at Charlotte:
- His 56-yard FG at WKU was the longest in C-USA in 2021 and tied for 4th-longest in NCAA
- School-record holder in career FG% (.719; 41-57)
- School-record with five field goals made of 50+ yards (5-6, .833)
- Shares school-record for longest FGM (Game-winning 56-yarder at FAU, 2018; 56-yarder at WKU, 2021)
Over the course of his time with the 49ers, Cruz was also an impact player for the special teams unit on kickoffs, averaging 57.9 yards on 65 kickoffs, with 44 touchbacks.
High school star
Cruz’ talent has been evident since his high school days where he suited up for one of the nation’s top football programs, Cartersville High School (Cartersville, Georgia).
Cruz finished with a 53-3 record in high school, including a school-record 41-game winning streak where he and the Hurricanes won two state titles, made three final four appearances and notched 14 playoff wins.
He was named Special Teams Player of the Year four times and was a two-time All-State kicker and first-team All-State punter who made 72-of-72 PAT attempts and scored 401 points in his career.
The addition of Cruz is another masterful portal move by Ole Miss. Stay tuned to find out who comes to the ‘Sip next!
Hotty Toddy!
(Feature image graphic: Lee Ann Herring, The Rebel Walk)
Lee Ann Herring-Olvedo
Lee Ann is the Director of Recruiting for The Rebel Walk. She is a veteran SEC sports journalist and NFL content writer. She is also the Sr. Editor for MESPORTS digital. Herring-Olvedo is a Brown University graduate who loves good cigars, good games, and a smooth glass of bourbon — not necessarily in that order.
