Every recruiting cycle, there is always one player that separates himself from the entire rankings, no matter where he is positioned either due to his immense athleticism, speed, strength, or general football instincts.
In the 2024 recruiting class, that player may just be IMG Academy’s, Desmond Ricks. On Saturday, July 9, Ricks listed his initial Top 10, which included Alabama, Florida, Miami, Oregon, Ohio State, Texas A&M, LSU, Oklahoma, USC, and Jackson State. This big surprise was the commission of Florida State, which had been the unchallenged favorite earlier on for the young defensive back.
Texas A&M offered Ricks on January 14, and so far, he has taken unofficial visits to Florida, Florida State, Alabama, and Miami, with a visit to College Station, Texas hopefully coming sooner than later as the Aggies are officially on his radar.
5-star CB Desmond Ricks has released his top ten schools. He is the No. 2 player in the class of 2024 according to the On3 Consensusđź‘€
More from @ChadSimmons_ HERE: https://t.co/nNkjscYtfD pic.twitter.com/Ubs4kieVVN
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) July 9, 2022
In a scouting report by Southeast Recruiting Analyst for 247Sports, Andrew Ivins, he described Ricks’s ability on the field:
A promising cornerback prospect with all the right traits. Got starter reps as a sophomore at the national powerhouse that is IMG Academy and held his own. Rather advanced from a technical standpoint as he understands how to mirror with his hips and gain depth while in reverse. Longer arms help him takeaway throwing lanes while quick-twitch muscle fibers allow him to jump routes and make plays at all different levels. Grew up running track and tested off the charts spring before his junior season clocking the fastest 40-yard dash and positing the second-highest vertical jump at IMG Academy’s annual Pro Day. Must keep progressing and adding some core strength over the years as that will make him more effective in run support, but looks to have one of the highest ceilings out of anyone in the class of 2024 given his ball skills, foot speed and frame. Should be viewed as a future impact player on Saturdays and someone that could eventually suit up on Sundays. Likely to get on the field sooner rather than later as he appears to be well ahead of the curve.
As the Aggies will continue to focus on building their 2023 recruiting class throughout the summer and heading into the fall, keeping an open dialogue with Desmond Ricks as he continues to take visits and begins narrowing down his list is of the utmost importance.
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