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Ranking the Contenders: Four-star 2024 OLB Demarcus Riddick's top-five

Alabama 2024 four-star OLB Demarcus Riddick
Alabama 2024 four-star OLB Demarcus Riddick (Rivals.com)

Heading into his junior campaign with Alabama’s Chilton County, four-star outside linebacker Demarcus Riddick was ready to bring focus to his recruiting process. With over 20 offers in hand, Riddick produced a top-five listing Georgia, Tennessee, Florida State, Oklahoma, and Kentucky.

Early in his recruiting journey, more offers are to come for Riddick. But of the five that have already caught his eye, we rank the contenders.

RANKING THE CONTENDERS

Georgia: Holding an offer from Georgia but not Alabama has to be frustrating for the Alabama native. The Bulldogs coming off a national championship and always producing talent to the NFL has UGA as a serious contender for Riddick. The Bulldogs got Riddick on campus last season for a game-day.

Tennessee: The Volunteers got Riddick on campus this summer. During the visit, Riddick worked out for Tennessee getting first-hand knowledge of what it would be like getting coached up by defensive coordinator Tim Banks and outside backers coach Mike Ekeler. Familiarity and the Volunteers’ rise under head coach Josh Heupel puts them second on the list.

Florida State: The messaging under head coach Mike Norvell has been consistent with recruits, and effective. Randy Shannon has built his reputation on developing linebackers, which is a big draw to Tallahassee. FSU’s advantage is getting players on campus and in their facilities. Once there, the culture and vibe created by coach Norvell is always a positive for prospects. FSU also hosted Riddick for a game-day last fall.

Oklahoma: If the Sooners can get Riddick to Norman for a game, a Junior Day in the offseason, and perhaps for a spring practice, watch Oklahoma rise up the board. OU’s staff is loaded with great defensive-minded coaches starting with the lead Sooner Brent Venables.

Kentucky: There is no denying what head coach Mark Stoops has built in Lexington. The Wildcats are one of the SEC’s feared teams able to message top prospects like Riddick about being that difference maker to help get over the 10-win hump. The added element for Kentucky, Riddick being coached by defensive coordinator/outside backers coach Brad White. White brings his NFL experience to the table talking to recruits about development and what it takes.

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