2025 DeSoto RB Deondrae Riden Jr Reacts to Texas A&M Offer

2025 DeSoto (Tex.) High running back Deondrae Riden Jr. has emerged as one of the early names to know at the position in the 2025 cycle. The freshman made his first visit to Texas A&M this past weekend and left with an offer from the Aggies in hand.

“I was very excited,” he said of the offer. ” Because Texas A&M, I’ve loved that school for a long time, since I was young. When Jimbo Fisher came over, I loved it even more.”

The freshman had a chance to talk to Fisher for the first time on his visit and described the experience as “amazing.” He’s primarily been in contact with running backs coach Tommie Robinson to this point, but the weekend was the first time he got to meet Robinson in person.

“He’s always been a cool guy,” he said. “He keeps it real. He’s not trying to recruit you, he’s going to treat you like you’re one of his.”

Coming off his first visit to College Station, Riden’s already looking to go back.

“Man, I love College Station,” he said. “I’m thinking about going to the spring game.”

With an offer in hand, Texas A&M projects to be heavily involved in Riden’s recruitment over the next three years. He noted his love for the school from a young age, adding that Johnny Manziel was one of his favorite players growing up. He likes the offensive scheme Fisher runs and is looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at Kyle Field, potentially as soon as Saturday if he makes it back into College Station for the Maroon & White Game.

Looking ahead to the rest of his high school career, Riden has big goals for himself and his DeSoto team.

“I want to be a state champion,” he said. “I want to bring another state championship to DeSoto. I want to be the number one recruit in my class and the number one running back in my class.”

This offseason, the freshman has been working hard at his craft, looking to have an impact not just in the run game but as a pass catcher as well. In breaking down his own game, Riden describes himself as an “all-purpose back.”

“I bring a fast pace, an all-around back, an all-purpose back,” he said. “I bring power. Everything you need, if you need me to play any position on the field, I’ll be willing to play it.”

Though just a freshman, Riden already holds eight offers to date, with the likes of USC, Oregon, Ole Miss and now, Texas A&M already in the mix for him. He mentioned the Trojans are the main school outside of Texas A&M standing out to him right now and is planning to get back out to Southern California again this offseason. Outside of the schools that have already offered, Tennessee is monitoring and Riden is hoping to hear more from other in-state schools as well, most notably Texas.

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