73 DAYS TO 2016 KICKOFF: Alec Ruth

Back on track at last...

Alec Phillip Ruth (b. Dec. 12, 1995) is an athletic offensive lineman who has used the last two seasons to develop.

Ruth, who redshirted in 2014 and did not see any game action in 2015, started at left tackle for the White team in the 2016 spring game. That would seem to imply he has been passed over by Scott Frantz as the starting left tackle.

Ruth chose Kansas State over offers from Northern Colorado, Oregon State and San Diego State.

He credited the social media "love" from many of his fellow signees for his eventual decision to commit, he told GoPowercat.com, proving once again that Twitter is highly effective as a recruiting tool:

"Ever since I went out to visit during the summer, I had K-State fans on Twitter giving me shout-outs and stuff, Ruth said. "And Dalton Risner. I wanted to commit with him. I just love that feeling of a close brotherhood. We probably talk every other week. He's a really cool dude and is really supportive of me, which is cool because we don't even really know each other. It's cool that I'm already making a close buddy."

Ruth lettered four years for Valor Christian High School, including his senior year under head coach Rod Sherman.

He was named one of The Denver Post's top 25 players in the state during the 2013 season and was ranked 30th nationally among offensive tackles by ESPN. You can watch his high school highlights here.

Ruth helped the Eagles to win the Colorado Class 5A state championship all four years. (Valor has won five straight state titles.) He also competed in basketball, wrestling, and track and field, and was an Academic All-State student.