Previewing decision day for Auburn LB target Demarcus Riddick
Five-star linebacker Demarcus Riddick from Clanton (Ala.) Chilton County will make his final decision on Wednesday between Georgia, Alabama, and Auburn. The commitment ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. CT.
Riddick has been committed to Georgia since November of 2022. The latest consensus is that he will be choosing between a flip to Auburn or Alabama instead of sticking with his Georgia commitment.
Riddick will make either the Tide or Tigers’ fan base very happy on Wednesday.
Here is a quick preview of Riddick’s commit announcement:
TIME: Wednesday, 4:00 p.m. CT at Chilton County High School in the Auditorium
RANKING/RATING: Riddick, who is listed at 6-foot-2 220 pounds, is the No. 31 overall player, the No. 3 linebacker, and the No. 4 player in the state of Alabama according to the On3 Industry Ranking. Riddick holds a 96.23 On3 Industry rating and a 96 rating from On3. Riddick is considered a 5-star when combining and averaging all four major recruiting sites.
THE 411: Riddick has been committed to Georgia, but has been courted by Auburn and Alabama since that commitment. He has visited all three schools several times since November. Alabama made headlines when Riddick rode with Alabama head coach Nick Saban at the Tide’s A-Day game.
Auburn stayed in the fight all along the way and has gained some momentum, at least in the public eye, heading into his decision.
Quotes of note
— “I love Coach (Josh) Aldridge. He’s the best linebackers coach ever. He’s a good coach and knows what he’s talking about in that linebackers room.”
— “Relationships, that’s one thing that I’m big about. I really have to have a relationship with the school that I want to go to. That’s a big part of my life with my parents and my friends. Relationships, that’s one thing about a school that needs to stand out.”
— “I was talking to Coach A (Josh Aldridge), I like him, he’s an amazing coach. He and Coach Freeze, I like them. I’m glad that they stayed with each other from coming from Liberty and now at Auburn. They need to keep doing that because they’re both great coaches.”
— “I want to do mechanical engineering, but I might change it here and there. The reason I want to do that is because my step dad is a welder at Alabama Power. He really inspired me and I really like doing welding and things like that.”
— I’ll make my final decision July 26, my mom’s birthday. It will be my final decision and I’ll be done with it.”
— “I have an idea of what I’m going to do Wednesday. I’m going to have all three of the hats on the table. It’s going to be like a birthday present for my momma, so I’m going to give it as a gift to her.”
Why it could be Auburn/Our pick
RECRUITING PREDICTION MACHINE: The RPM favors Auburn at 51.2%
IF AUBURN LANDS HIM: It would give the Tigers commitment No. 12 in the 2024 class and a possible jump into the top 15. It would be the first 5-star commitment of the Freeze era.
WHY IT COULD BE AUBURN: Relationships with Josh Aldridge, Hugh Freeze, a good fit for academics, and early playing time.
WHY IT COULD BE SOMEONE ELSE: Although he is committed to Georgia, it is Alabama who very well could land him if not Auburn. The coaching staff at Alabama lead by Robert Bala, Freddie Roach, and Nick Saban have made a great impression on him and certainly have a chance. His mother has been reported as an Alabama fan.
OUR PICK: Auburn. I made the RPM pick for Auburn back in March. Although there have been twists and turns (as promised) it seems that the Tigers are poised to pull off the big one over Alabama and Georgia.
