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Former LSU cornerback Eli Ricks announces transfer destination

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•12/15/21•

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Elias Ricks
Photo by Jonathan Bachman/ Getty Images

One of the most sought-after transfers in the portal has a new home. Eli Ricks, a former five-star recruit, announced on Twitter he’s heading to Alabama.

It’s a huge portal victory for Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide.

In 14 games over two seasons with the Tigers, Ricks had 31 tackles and five interceptions, including two pick-sixes. He was a five-star recruit out of Florida’s IMG Academy in the Class of 2020 and was the No. 4 recruit in the state of Florida, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Out of high school, Ricks held plenty of offers, including Alabama, Georgia, Clemson and Ohio State.

Ricks announced he was transferring from LSU last month in the wake of Ed Orgeron’s departure. His final four schools were Alabama, Georgia, USC and Ohio State.

Last month, Ricks did an interview about his decision to transfer and shed some insight on why he decided to leave Baton Rouge.

“Ed Orgeron was the main reason why I committed to LSU out of high school,” Ricks told 247Sports’ Greg Biggins. “He’s my guy, that’s the coach I’ve known since I was 10 years old. I first met him at a USC camp and we had an instant connection and a great relationship ever since.”

Orgeron reached an agreement with LSU to leave the program after the regular season. The Tigers finished 6-6 and are gearing up to play in the Texas Bowl this month. LSU hired Brian Kelly to replace Orgeron, but Brad Davis will coach the Tigers in the bowl game.

When listing his top four schools, he spoke about his relationship with Nick Saban. Ricks said he used to talk to Alabama on a daily basis before signing with LSU. He called Saban a “great coach” but never made it to Tuscaloosa to visit. To understand what the city is like, he’d been talking to a good family friend and current Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young.

Getting talent from SEC rivals is nothing new for Saban, landing linebacker Henry To’oto’o from Tennessee before the season. Ricks is going to be a welcomed addition to the defensive back room.

On3’s Griffin McVeigh contributed to this report.