On3 Top 20 2024 Countdown: No. 2, CB Desmond Ricks

As the 2024 class is just finishing their first or second season of varsity football, their skill sets — and ultimately evaluations — will change drastically in the next two years. The physical transformations that happen in between sophomore and junior season are the biggest at any point in the recruiting process. That makes it challenging to nail down the truly elite prospects that deserve five-star status.

As such, On3 has given out just three of those honors in its second full ranking of the 2024 class. There are, however, a number of players vying to break into that group over the next 12-18 months. Within our most recent rankings release, we’re counting down the top 20 sophomore prospects in the country. Checking in as the No. 2 prospect in the Class of 2024 is Chesapeake (Va.) IMG Academy cornerback Desmond Ricks.

The 6-foot-1, 170-pounder already holds more than two dozen offers, including elite programs like Alabama, LSU, Georgia, Penn State, and Miami.

With the 2023 cycle about to hit a fever pitch, much of the attention around the recruiting world is on the rising senior class. But the recruitments of the country’s best 2024 prospects are taking off as well. Schools across the country are already in the thick of things with the sophomore class. And top-end prospects already racking up double-digit offer lists and a few already committing. Those players won’t be able to sign for another year and a half. But getting in early on their recruitment is becoming a bigger priority than ever.

Desmond Ricks Scouting Summary

“Big, athletic corner who stars on one of the most talented defenses in high school football. Has good stature for the position at over 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds heading into his junior season. Registers as a strong athlete in the combine setting. Was a key player on IMG Academy’s talented defense as a sophomore in addition to seeing significant time as a freshman. A smooth mover with advanced technical ability. Battle-tested against top wide receivers both in practice at IMG and in playing a national schedule throughout the fall. Older for the class, turning 18 years old in the middle of his junior season.” — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings