Kyle Ritz

Photo by: Jeff Harwell

Position:
OL
Class:
Redshirt Senior
Height:
6-5
Weight:
315
Hometown:
Willoughby, Ohio
High School:
Willoughby South HS

Played in EVERY game of his collegiate career with 43 starts.

As a Redshirt Senior (2018): Recipient of the John Heisman Award … Captains’ Award … started all 12 games at right guard … one of nine games to start every game … tied the school record for most games played in his collegiate career (51) … also saw action with the kicking unit … in the stunning win at Northwestern, the O-line protected QB Kato Nelson perfectly, giving up no sacks … lettered … preseason third-team All-MAC by Athlon Sports … named Offensive MVP in the weight room following spring drills.

As a Redshirt Junior (2017): Recipient of the Harry “Doc” Smith Award … started all 14 games at right guard … one of only eight Zips to start every game … also saw action with the kicking unit … in the win over Ohio, helped the Zips to 443 yards of total offense and four passing touchdowns while securing Akron’s top spot in the MAC East … the offensive line provided perfect protection in the win over Arkansas Pine Bluff, helping UA to 267 rushing yards and five touchdowns … lettered … preseason third-team All-MAC by Athlon Sports.

As a Redshirt Sophomore (2016): Started all 12 games at right guard … one of only seven Zips to start every game … also saw action on the field goal unit … recipient of the Harry “Doc” Smith Award for offense … top returner on the line with the most playing experience … o-line provided perfect protection in the wins over Miami (Ohio) and Ball State … named the Unsung Hero offensive player and Offensive Weight Room MVP following spring drills … lettered.

As a Redshirt Freshman (2015): Academic All-MAC … recipient of the Harry “Doc” Smith Award and Academic Award … played in all 13 games with five starts at right tackle … saw action on the punt and field goal units … Akron’s run blocking and pass protection schemes elevated the offensive production this season … the Zips averaged 164.8 yards per game on the ground, 41.1 yards better than last season … the Zips rushed for 2,143 total yards, exceeding the 2014 season total of 1,484 (after just 10 games) … the O-Line allowed eight fewer sacks … lettered.

As a Freshman (2014): Redshirted.

High School: Named first-team All-Ohio, first-team Northeast Ohio All-Lake District, and first-team News-Herald All-Star as a senior at Willoughby South HS ... credited with 22 pancake blocks during his senior campaign ... received second-team Northeast Ohio All-Lake District and second-team News-Herald All-Star honors following his junior season when the team posted a 10-1 record ... MaxPreps Freshman All-American.

Personal: Born October 12, 1995 … parents are Steve (father) and Jennifer Ritz and Diane (mother) and Michael Santucci … has a brother Rhett … earned a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering in May 2018 … pursuing a master’s degree.