ASU football kicker Brandon Ruiz announced he is transferring from the school via Twitter on Monday afternoon.
The junior has dealt with an injury since the beginning of the season, with redshirt sophomore Cristian Zendejas filling in his place.
Head coach Herm Edwards updated Ruiz's injury status in a press conference Monday afternoon saying, "He's still not kicking," adding that Ruiz noted a "little twinge" while trying to practice.
Ruiz was placed on the Lou Groza Award preseason watch list this past July, an award for the best placekicker in college football in a given season.
His performance in his sophomore season made him one of the best kickers in the country, hitting 18 of 22 field goal attempts and making all 45 of his point-after attempts. Over his career, he has made a total of 37 field goals on 49 attempts and has made a total of 94 point-after attempts.
In Ruiz's absence, Zendejas has hit 10 field goals in 13 attempts, including his longest from 43 yards. Zendejas was awarded a scholarship on Sep. 17 after starting the season a perfect eight for eight through week three, including a key field goal versus then No. 18 Michigan State.
Ruiz will be immediately eligible to play for the college he chooses as a grad transfer next season.
Reach the reporter at jhorst2@asu.edu and follow @HorseySeven on Twitter.
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Jeffrey Horst is the digital editor-in-chief of The State Press. He previously served as the publication's sports editor and worked at Cronkite News and ArizonaSports.com.
