Getty Image
Longtime UGA commit Demarcus Riddick has flipped his pledge from the Bulldogs to the Auburn Tigers. The five-star linebacker announced his change of heart on social media Wednesday.
Riddick was Georgia’s first commitment in the class of 2024. Now, he’ll head to an SEC rival.
The talented defender had been a part of the Bulldogs’ top-ranked recruiting cycle. He first announced his intention to play for Kirby Smart in Athens back in November of 2022.
Despite that pledge, he continued to receive interest from programs around the country.
Rated a five-star prospect by the 24/7 Sports’ composite rankings, he was the Dawgs’ sixth most highly rated player. Now, he becomes the highest ranked player in Auburn’s class.
🚨BREAKING🚨 5-star LB Demarcus Riddick has flipped his commitment from Georgia to Auburn🐅
More from @ChadSimmons_: https://t.co/grWxVrTxnQ pic.twitter.com/ZrAoB7A8X9
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) July 26, 2023
With the commitment, Hugh Freeze lands a huge piece to his first full recruiting cycle. The Alabama native is viewed as the 26th-best player in the country, regardless of position, as well as the third-best linebacker in the class.
He visited The Plains on June 9th, sandwiched in between visits to Georgia and Alabama.
“Auburn has been going through a lot these past couple years, coaches and stuff like that, Hugh Freeze, I feel like he’s going to come in and change the whole program around,” Demarcus Riddick said about the flip. “I feel like Auburn is going to flip a switch and Hugh Freeze is going to put them on the map this year and same for next year.”
Fans were quick to react to the flip as they posted responses on social media.
“Good win for Auburn,” one fan said.
“Hugh Freeze may be on to something,” another follower replied.
“Head-to-head win over Alabama and UGA!” this Auburn supporter wrote.
As a junior, Riddick tallied 109 tackles, 17 TFL, seven sacks, and three interceptions. Huge get for the Tigers.