2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ramon Ruiz, WR, Western Colorado University

• Name: Ramon Ruiz
• Position: Wide Receiver 
• College: Western Colorado University 
• Height: 6’0
• Weight: 185
• Twitter: RamonRuiz2023
• Instagram: Ramon.R28

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2027 NFL Draft? 

What makes me a top prospect at my position in the 2027 NFL Draft starts with my physicality and the way I compete every snap. I take pride in playing through contact, finishing plays, and being a tough, reliable target for my quarterback. On top of that, my football IQ as a wide receiver sets me apart, I understand coverages, leverage, and how to find space in different situations. I’m able to adjust on the fly and make the right reads in real time, which helps me consistently get open and stay effective. I also bring a strong work ethic and attention to detail that shows up in how I prepare and execute. Overall, I combine toughness, intelligence, and consistency, which allows me to make plays and be trusted in big moments.

Tell me about a time you faced adversity and how you responded? 

My college football journey hasn’t been a straight path, as I had to take the JUCO route and earn everything the hard way. That experience pushed me to grow, stay disciplined, and keep believing in myself even when things didn’t go as planned. There were moments where I faced setbacks and adversity, but I never let them define me. Recently, I had a tough game where things just didn’t click, and it tested my confidence. Instead of letting it linger, I used it as motivation to improve and refocus during the week. The very next game, I came back and had one of my best performances of the season. That moment reminded me that resilience and hard work always pay off if you stay committed.

What are your hobbies outside of football? 

My hobbies consist of fishing, hunting, working out, and occasionally playing the guitar.

What role do you see yourself playing at the next level? 

At the next level, I see myself as a consistent and reliable player who shows up every day and does my job at a high level. I take pride in being someone my coaches and teammates can trust in any situation. I want to be a playmaker who can shift momentum and create opportunities when the team needs it most. When a big play is needed, I aim to be the guy they look to and count on to deliver.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

If I could donate to one cause, it would be supporting underprivileged youth and giving them access to education and sports opportunities. I believe every kid deserves a chance to succeed, no matter their background. Providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities can change the direction of someone’s life. I’d want to be part of helping the next generation reach their full potential.

How do you handle coaching, especially criticism or being corrected repeatedly?

I take coaching and criticism head-on and use it as a way to improve rather than take it personally. If I’m corrected repeatedly, I make sure to lock in on what needs to be changed and put in the work to fix it. My goal is always to be at my best and eliminate mistakes so I can perform at a high level. I also understand that applying coaching is about more than me, it helps put the team in the best position to succeed.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

I would say our whole team is underrated. Being at a Division II school, we often get overlooked, but people don’t always see the level of talent and work ethic we have. Every guy on our roster is a competitor who takes pride in going to work every day. We’re filled with “dawgs” who are hungry to prove ourselves every time we step on the field. 

If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would it be and why did you choose them? 

If I could have dinner with three people, I would choose Jesus Christ, Michael Jordan, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. I would choose Jesus first because, as a firm believer in Christ, the wisdom, guidance, and perspective I would gain from Him is unmatched by anyone else. I would choose Michael Jordan because I would want to pick his brain on what it truly takes to be dominant, consistent, and mentally tough at the highest level of sports. Lastly, I would choose Jaxon Smith-Njigba so I could talk football, learn from his approach to the game, and understand how to dominate in today’s era of football.

If you were benched tomorrow, what would be the most likely reason? 

If I were benched tomorrow, the most likely reason would be me not executing my assignment or making mental mistakes that hurt the team. I take a lot of pride in being consistent and doing my job, so anything that shows a lack of discipline or attention to detail would be what I need to fix. I understand that trust is earned through performance and reliability. If I ever fall short, it would be on me to correct it and get back to playing at the level my team needs.

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

I usually start my day already in game mode the moment I wake up, focused and locked in on what I need to do that day. When I get to the field, I listen to music to stay in that mindset while getting mentally prepared. I like to be barefoot at first so I can feel the ground and get comfortable in the environment while staying relaxed but focused. From there, I go straight into my warmup, getting my body loose and ready while staying dialed in. I get dressed in my game attire as part of my routine, then I continue warming up with my teammates, making sure I’m physically sharp and fully prepared to perform.

What is your favorite snack food? 

My favorite snack food usually is some sort of fruit, rice cakes, or pretzels.

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in? 

I feel as a wide receiver and the way I play would be the West Coast Spread Offense. One offense I enjoy watching from the next level is the 49ers, they have such a dynamic offensive scheme.

What is your degree in? 

I am a sociology major with an emphasis in criminology and I have a coaching minor.

What would be the first thing you buy with your first NFL check? 

With my first NFL check, I would look into buying farm land and starting to build a ranch. That’s something I’ve always had interest in, and I see it as a way to invest in something long-term beyond football. I like the idea of creating something stable and grounded that I can grow over time. It would also represent discipline and hard work, which are values I carry onto the field as well.

Describe a time in a game where you feel you made a mistake, and explain how you bounced back?

In a game this season, I had a moment where I missed a block that ended up costing us a couple of yards on the play. It was frustrating because I know how important every detail is, especially in critical situations. Instead of dwelling on it, I used it as fuel and made a point to lock back in immediately. A few plays later, I stayed engaged in the drive and reminded myself that mistake couldn’t happen again. On that same drive, a ball came my way on a post route, and I was able to make a difficult catch in traffic. I finished the play by scoring a touchdown, which helped shift the momentum back in our favor. That situation taught me the importance of short-term memory and responding the right way after a mistake.

Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist? 

Three songs you can expect on my playlist are “Write Your Name” by G Herbo, “My Thoughts” by Babyface Ray, and “Late Night” by Babyfxce E.