Georgia Adds Nation’s No. 2 Junior LB Demarcus Riddick to 2024 Recruiting Class
The University of Georgia Bulldogs have just made a huge splash in the 2024 recruiting class, securing the commitment of one of the nation’s top linebackers, Demarcus Riddick. Ranked as the No. 2 junior linebacker in the country, Riddick’s decision to commit to Georgia further solidifies the Bulldogs’ already impressive recruiting class and strengthens their defense for years to come.
Riddick, a 6’2”, 225-pound linebacker from the state of Alabama, is regarded as one of the most versatile and athletic defensive players in the 2024 class. His commitment to Georgia represents a major victory for head coach Kirby Smart and his staff, who have consistently been among the nation’s best in recruiting and developing top-tier defensive talent.
Demarcus Riddick is an athletic linebacker with a blend of size, speed, and football IQ that makes him one of the most coveted recruits in the country. His versatility allows him to excel both as a run stopper and in pass coverage, making him an ideal fit for Georgia’s aggressive defensive schemes. Whether he’s rushing the quarterback, covering tight ends, or making tackles in space, Riddick has proven to be a threat on every down.
At 6’2″ and 225 pounds, Riddick already has the size and physical tools needed to play at the next level. He has a relentless motor, constantly chasing down plays and never shying away from contact. His combination of speed and strength allows him to close gaps quickly, and his ability to read plays and make adjustments on the fly makes him an ideal linebacker in today’s high-speed college football game.
Riddick’s skill set includes:
- Tackling Ability: Riddick is known for his physicality and his ability to wrap up ball carriers. Whether he’s in open space or in the trenches, he’s a reliable tackler who doesn’t miss many opportunities.
- Pass Coverage: One of Riddick’s most impressive traits is his ability to cover passing routes, especially against tight ends and running backs. His agility and awareness make him a mismatch for many offensive players, giving him the ability to disrupt passing plays.
- Speed and Agility: His athleticism is off the charts. He can chase down ball carriers from sideline to sideline, and his ability to change direction quickly allows him to stay with offensive players on screen passes and short-yardage routes.
- Football IQ: Riddick has an exceptional understanding of the game, often anticipating plays before they unfold. His ability to read offensive linemen, recognize blocking schemes, and react accordingly allows him to make adjustments in real-time, giving him a huge advantage over many of his competiton.
Riddick’s decision to commit to Georgia comes after months of careful evaluation and consideration. Several top-tier programs, including Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State, were vying for his commitment, but ultimately, Riddick felt that Georgia offered the best opportunity for his growth as both a player and an individual.
“Georgia has been great to me from the start,” Riddick said in his commitment announcement. “Coach Smart and the entire staff have shown me what I need to do to become the best linebacker I can be. I feel like I can fit into their defense and help them win championships. Georgia is a place where I know I’ll be developed to play at the next level.”
The Bulldogs’ defense, which has been one of the best in college football under head coach Kirby Smart, played a huge role in Riddick’s decision. Georgia’s ability to develop elite linebackers and their emphasis on toughness, discipline, and preparation made them the perfect fit for Riddick’s talents.
With his commitment, Riddick becomes a key piece of Georgia’s already stacked 2024 recruiting class. He will join a defense that has been dominant in the SEC and on the national stage, with Georgia continuing to pump out NFL-caliber players from every position group.
Riddick’s addition to the Bulldogs’ defense is a significant boost, as it bolsters an already strong linebacker corps. Georgia has produced numerous NFL draft picks from the linebacker position in recent years, and Riddick is poised to continue that tradition.
With Riddick in the fold, Georgia adds a dynamic playmaker who can contribute immediately upon his arrival. His combination of speed, strength, and football IQ makes him an ideal fit for Georgia’s aggressive 3-4 defensive scheme, where he can play both inside and outside linebacker roles. Whether he’s rushing the passer or dropping into coverage, Riddick will be a key contributor to Georgia’s defense for years to come.
The Bulldogs are known for their ability to develop players, especially at linebacker, and Riddick’s commitment helps to ensure that Georgia remains one of the top destinations for elite defensive talent. His arrival will provide additional depth at a position that is crucial to Georgia’s defensive success, and he will be counted on to help continue the program’s national championship aspirations.
With Riddick on board, Georgia’s 2024 recruiting class continues to take shape as one of the best in the nation. The Bulldogs will likely continue to focus on adding depth and talent to both sides of the ball, and Riddick’s commitment will help to attract even more top-tier prospects to Athens.
Georgia remains a top contender in the SEC, and with the addition of Riddick and several other key recruits, the Bulldogs are poised to remain at the top of college football for the foreseeable future.
Demarcus Riddick’s commitment to Georgia is a huge win for the Bulldogs, as they continue to build one of the top defenses in the nation. As the No. 2 junior linebacker in the country, Riddick brings a unique combination of size, speed, and football intelligence that will help him succeed at the highest level. His decision to join Georgia further cements the Bulldogs’ status as one of the most elite programs in college football.
As Georgia’s defense continues to develop and reload with elite talent, Riddick will be one of the cornerstones of the program’s future. His addition to the 2024 class marks the continuation of Georgia’s dominance on defense and sets the stage for more championships in the years to come.