‘I promise you he will change the program around’: 4-star RB commit Deondrae Riden believes in Mike Elko

The Aggies have received 4 commitments from the Class of 2025 and the latest was 4-star running back Deondrae “Tiger” Riden on Monday night.

The Texas A&M football program has received four commitments from the Class of 2025 and the latest was 4-star running back Deondrae “Tiger” Riden on Monday night.

The 5-foot-10, 195-pound halfback from Desoto High School in Texas is a big fan of his future head coach, Mike Elko, as he recently shared with On3 national recruiting analyst Sam Spiegelman.

“Elko, Elko, Elko… he’s one of the best coaches in the game and everything he’s doing for the program is putting people on notice,” Riden told On3. “I promise you he will change the program around.

“Coach Elko is a good dude. He’s a real dude, there’s something about the way he carries himself, the way he talks.”

Riden is also a fan of defensive line coach Tony Jerod-Eddie and associate HC & running backs coach Trooper Taylor.

“I went to check out the vibes, see the vibes. I met with them earlier (last) week and they’re all good people. They’re straightforward and they don’t sugarcoat anything,” Riden told On3. “I think it’s gonna be a big change.”

The Desoto junior reportedly “loved” his visit to College Station earlier this month according to 247Sports’ director of recruiting Steve Wiltfong.

“I’m big on relationships and everyone around there treats me like family,” Riden told 247Sports. “The main thing that catches my eye regarding Mike Elko and the staff is how everyone has the same goal and believes in each other. It’s like everyone is on the same page and I’m loving it.”

Every commit from next year’s class hails from the Lone Star State thus far. The other three players are 4-star cornerback Deyjhon Pettaway and 3-star prospects, linebacker Kelvion Riggins & interior offensive lineman Joshua Moss.

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BREAKING: 2025 4-star RB out of DeSoto (TX) has committed to Texas A&M

Boom! Texas A&M has landed its fourth commitment in the 2025 cycle, as 4-star running back Deondrae Riden announced his commitment.

Boom! Texas A&M and head coach Mike Elko have now added their fourth player in the 2025 recruiting class, as 4-star running back DeSoto, Texas native Deondrae “Tiger” Riden has committed to the Aggies, becoming the first offensive playmaker to join the class.

Riden has been close to the program for quite some time, strengthening his relationship with Elko and his staff after taking an unofficial visit to College Station on Feb 3 while telling TexAgs recruiting insider Jason Howell that he would be back for another visit instead of announcing his commitment ahead of time.

During his 2023 junior season at Desoto (TX), Riden, who already displays excellent vision and footwork with incredible balance while evading defenders, produced at a high level with 137 attempts for 1,023 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground.

According to 247Sports, Riden is currently positioned as the 15th-ranked running back and the 33rd-ranked player in Texas. Texas A&M now has four commits in the 2025 class with Riden’s commitment, including 3-star IOL Joshua Moses, 4-star LB Kelvion Riggins and 4-star CB Deyjhon Pettaway.

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2025 4-star RB out of DeSoto (TX) plans to return to Texas A&M

After visiting this weekend, 2025 4-star running back Deondrae Riden will reportedly return to College Station soon.

After another successful weekend hosting a plethora of 2025 and 2026 prospects, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko’s influence on the program has clearly taken shape as the new regime looks to create lasting relationships to build toward the future.

One of said weekend visitors, 2025 4-star running back Deondrae Riden, has been on the Aggies’ radar for quite some time, getting to know Elko and his staff for the past two days and in a recent interview with TexAgs’ Jason Howell, the feeling is mutual.

“I’ll definitely be back.”

Back in September, Riden had begun to narrow his list of possible future collegiate destinations, including USC, Ohio State, Oregon, Oklahoma, Baylor, Texas Tech, Texas, Ole Miss, SMU, and Texas A&M. Needing to continue adding talent in the backfield every recruiting cycle due to the ever-growing transfer portal; this is a solid first step in creating a positive relationship.

During his 2023 junior season at Desoto (TX), Riden, who already displays excellent vision and footwork with incredible balance while evading defenders, produced at a high level with 137 attempts for 1,023 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground.

According to 247Sports, Riden is currently positioned as the 15th-ranked running back and the 33rd-ranked player in Texas. Texas A&M currently has three commits in the 2025 class: 3-star IOL Joshua Moses, 4-star LB Kelvion Riggins and 4-star CB Deyjhon Pettaway.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.