BREAKING: 5-star LB Demarcus Riddick commits to Auburn over Alabama, Georgia

Five-star linebacker Demarcus Riddick has flipped his commitment from Georgia to Auburn.

Riddick, who is from Chilton County (Ala.), announced his decision Wednesday during a ceremony at Chilton County High School. He also considered Alabama before ultimately choosing Auburn.

“I just feel at home at Auburn,” he said. “I love the campus, facilities and the coaches.”

Riddick is the second linebacker Auburn has beaten Georgia head to head. The Tigers secured the commitment of four-star backer Joseph Phillips on June 15. Phillips reportedly was set to commit to the Bulldogs before Auburn made a last-minute push to win out.

Auburn now has 12 commitments in the 2024 class, three of which are linebackers: Riddick, Phillips and three-star DeAngelo Barber. The Tigers would like to add one more to the ’24 class with the top remaining targets being three-star Wyatt Simmons of Arkansas and four-star Bradley Shaw of Hoover.

Riddick is the highest-ranked commitment in Auburn’s class. The On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, has him as a five-star recruit and the No. 31 overall recruit in the country. He’s also ranked the No. 3 linebacker in the class and the No. 4 recruit in Alabama.

AU coaches, playing time important to Riddick

Auburn coach Hugh Freeze and linebackers coach Josh Aldridge both were instrumental in Riddick choosing the Tigers.

“I love Coach Aldridge,” he said. “He’s the best linebackers coach ever. He’s a good coach and knows what he’s talking about in that linebackers room.

“He and Coach Freeze, I like them. I’m glad that they stayed with each other coming from Liberty and now at Auburn. They need to keep doing that because they’re both great coaches.”

Early playing time and the opportunity to help build back the Tigers’ program also were important to Riddick.

“Seeing that I can get on the field and help build a school,” he told On3’s Chad Simmons. “That’s one thing that stands out to me about Auburn.”

Riddick’s On3 Scouting Summary

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.

5-star LB’s Personal Life via On3

Chilton County coach Marvin Morton knew right away Demarcus Riddick was going to be unlike any other player he’s coached.

“I first met him when he was an eighth grader,” Morton told On3’s Dawgs HQ. “I knew then that this was going to be a special kid. Over the years he’s grown. He’s grown physically and as a player. He’s always been a good kid. Just watching him grow throughout the years has been very rewarding.”

In 2022, Riddick produced one of the best seasons of any defender in Alabama. He had 109 tackles, 19 tackles for a loss, 11 hurries and seven sacks. Riddick also had three interceptions.

“His lateral speed, quickness and pursuit of the football really caught my eye with him early on,” Morton said. “Demarcus is special. I’ve never coached an athlete quite as athletic as him. He shows his athleticism on the football field.

“He also plays basketball and jumps out of the gym. I would say his athleticism and relentlessness define his skillset. He finds the football.”