5-star CB Desmond Ricks commits to Alabama

Five-star Chesapeake (Va.) IMG Academy cornerback Desmond Ricks has committed to Alabama.

He chose the Crimson Tide over finalists LSU and Florida, as well as more than two dozen other offers.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Ricks is the No. 20 overall prospect in the 2023 class, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He ranks as the nation’s No. 2 cornerback and the No. 4 senior recruit in the state of Florida.

He recently reclassified from the 2024 class and quickly became one of the hottest uncommitted recruits in the country. But instead of taking his recruitment into the spring, Ricks quickly narrowed down to his top three schools, setting official visits in December with each.

Ricks is the seventh five-star commitment this cycle for this Crimson Tide, including their fourth during the Early Signing Period that began on Wednesday. Alabama’s class ranks No. 1 nationally in the On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Rankings.

Desmond Ricks Scouting Summary

“Big, athletic corner who stars on one of the most talented defenses in high school football. Has good stature for the position at over 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds heading into his junior season. Registers as a strong athlete in the combine setting. Was a key player on IMG Academy’s talented defense as a sophomore in addition to seeing significant time as a freshman. A smooth mover with advanced technical ability. Battle-tested against top wide receivers both in practice at IMG and in playing a national schedule throughout the fall. Older for the class, turning 18 years old in the middle of his junior season.” — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings