Arkansas defensive tackle John Ridgeway played just one season with the Razorbacks, but it was enough to lift his professional stock.
The Hogs senior declared Thursday that he will forgo a potential final season with Arkansas to prepare for the NFL draft.
“This football season as a Razorback has been one of the best experiences of my life,” Ridgeway wrote on Twitter. “To be part of this team has allowed me to grow as a football player and as a man. I will be forever grateful for the memories and relationships I have built through this program.”
Ridgeway provided an anchor in the middle of the Arkansas defensive line after transferring from Illinois State in the offseason. At 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds, he was a natural defensive tackle who was equally adept at clogging lanes and collapsing the pocket. He led all Arkansas linemen in tackles with 39, including four for-loss. He also had two sacks.
The declaration was not unexpected. Ridgeway accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl in November and nothing was ever suggested that he would back out of that commitment.
Ridgway became the third defensive starter in three days to leave the program after safety Joe Foucha entered the transfer portal on Wednesday and nickel back Greg Brooks Jr. did the same on Thursday.