Demarcus Riddick, 4-star in-state LB, signs Letter of Intent with Auburn
Four-star linebacker Demarcus Riddick of Clanton (Ala.) Chilton County signed his National Letter of Intent with Auburn on Wednesday, the first day of the early signing period.
The Riddick File
Position: Linebacker
Height/Weight: 6-foot-2 220 pounds
Notable trait/Auburn fit: Riddick brings a different level of athleticism to the linebacker room. He is fast enough to play man coverage and can also come off the edge. He can be a three-level player.
On3 Industry Ranking: (95.30) No. 50 overall, No. 4 linebacker, No. 6 in Alabama
Commitment date: July 26, 2023
Chose Auburn over: Flipped from Georgia, Alabama
Time of enrollment: January
Notable: Riddick committed to Georgia in November of 2022. When the new Auburn staff took over, it quickly made him a priority. His recruitment became a back and forth between Auburn and Georgia, then Alabama made a big move with him during its spring game. Riddick rode with Nick Saban in his car and the video made its rounds on Twitter. It was Auburn that would win the contested battle and start a chain reaction of big recruiting news heading into Big Cat Weekend.
Social Media: Twitter: (@DemarcusRiddic), Instagram: (@demarcus.riddick6)
Quoteworthy: “I will say this, I’m glad that I’m committed to Auburn. To be honest with you, that is where I wanted to go for the longest time. I just had to keep it hid from everybody. I’m not ready to graduate, but at the same time I am so I can get there and get to work. I’m just ready to play there.”
Breakdown
— Riddick fits the mold of today’s NFL linebacker. If you turn on his highlights, you’ll see him do a little bit of everything, including returning kicks and punts. Riddick is an elite athlete with great size to play at linebacker.
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— As of right now, athleticism is Riddick’s best attribute. However, he is a high-IQ football player. He can read and react well from anywhere on the field. He plays mostly edge at this point and will be able to do that on the next level. Riddick can play in the box, too. For Riddick, the possibilities are nearly unlimited on the defensive side of the ball.
In-person analysis
**In-person eval and breakdown written by Auburn Live Recruiting Analyst Cole Pinkston
— Riddick had a slow start, but he quickly got it going when playing in space and covering. He will be asked to do that at Auburn and will be perfect for it. One of the most impressive plays of the night was in coverage against a small, quick receiver who had already caused problems. He attached himself and covered him 20+ yards down the field to knock it away.
— Riddick’s effort was not elite, though he never looks like he is trying too hard. When plays were away from him, there were a few times that he tracked them down. He can burst in a hurry and get to full speed quickly. He has good long-speed, too.
