Georgia loses standout LB Demarcus Riddick for Class of 2024
Georgia is down a commitment in the Class of 2024, as longtime pledge Demarcus Riddick has flipped his intentions and now plans to play for Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers at the conclusion of his high school career. Riddick announced his ‘final decision’ on Wednesday, choosing between Auburn, Alabama, and Georgia.
Ranked as the nation’s No. 31 overall prospect and No. 3 linebacker in the cycle, Riddick initially committed to Georgia in early November of 2022. He was Georgia’s lone linebacker commit for some time, though that changed on Monday with the addition of the nation’s No. 1 linebacker and Five-Star Plus+ prospect Justin Williams.
“It’s been tough. It’s been really tough. . . I thought I had this settled down when I committed to Georgia,” Riddick told On3’s Chad Simmons ahead of the decision. “But I really didn’t because my feelings have changed a little.”
With Riddick having moved on,Georgia’s attention now turns to the likes of four-star prospects Chris Cole and Kris Jones to fill out the linebacker ranks for the Class of 2024.
Cole, a product of Salem, Virginia, ranks as the No. 53 overall prospect in the cycle, as well as the No. 5 overall linebacker. Jones, meanwhile, also hails from Virginia and is the No. 128 overall prospect and No. 10 linebacker for the class.
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Despite the decommitment, Georgia is still ranked as the No. 1 overall class in 2024 per the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Ranking. The Bulldogs still hold the pledges of 25 prospects in the class and lead second place Ohio State by over a point and a half in team score.
Expected upcoming decisions from five-star safety KJ Bolden, five-star defensive lineman Williams Nwaneri, and the aforementioned Cole, all of which Georgia is involved with, could bolster those numbers further.
There’s no doubt Kirby Smart and company will be seeking to do just that.
On3 Scouting Report on Demarcus Riddick
“Versatile box defender who can play inside linebacker or off the edge with violence and athleticism. High motor defender who is constantly around the football and chases down ball carriers from the backside consistently. Fluid and loose hips when playing in the open field. Quick to trigger downfield and explosive on contact. High floor prospect who can fill a multitude of roles for a defense. Starter on the varsity basketball team as well.” – Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings on Demarcus Riddick
