After reclassifying from the Class of 2024 to the Class of 2023 in October, Bradenton (Fla.) became an IMG Academy five-star cornerback Desmond Ricks was busy figuring out the next step in his recruitment. With the early signing period approaching, the talented defenseman made a cut to his top schools and named three finalists consisting of Alabama, Florida and LSU.
Ricks has visited all of these schools multiple times over the course of his recruitment, and he has again scheduled official visits for the trio ahead of the early signing phase. He will pay an unofficial visit to LSU next weekend. The Gators will host Ricks for an official visit over the weekend of December 2nd. According to 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong, Alabama will be held the following weekend of December 9th. The Tigers will make their final official visit over the weekend of December 16th. We at Swamp247 have already been in touch to ensure he signs in December, which is now confirmed.
Florida cornerbacks coach Corey Raymond was Rick’s lead recruiter in Gainesville.
“He’s just telling me to keep grinding and that he’d like me here,” Ricks said of Raymond. “He’s not the type to tell you how good you are every day. He will develop you and make you better and bring out the best in you. I speak to him a few times a week. I talk to Coach Napier about once a week. He’s really cool and down to earth. We just have regular conversations.”
Below is 247Sports player rating of Ricks:
What everyone seems to be looking for in an outside cornerback prospect these days. Big, fast, explosive and physical. He enjoyed a stellar youth soccer career in Virginia before moving to Florida and joining national powerhouse IMG Academy for his final two years of high school. Was originally a member of the 2024 Recruitment Cycle, but was demoted to the Class of 2023 in October 2022, shortly after turning 18 years old. Can run – and more importantly – find the football, which is an important skill at a time when most offensive coordinators are looking to expand the field. Pretty battle hardened for a youngster who saw plenty of goals coming his way on both Friday night and the 7v7/camp circuit. Usually stays in cover and has a higher success rate in 50-50 situations, but has still given up some long wins and can be caught wandering. Should be able to reduce errors as he hones his technique and learns how to consistently get wide receivers off schedule. Spent a good portion of the 12th grade year working at one of the most talented secondary schools in the country. Could probably be used as a slot corner on Saturdays, but ultimately ceiling seems to be highest as a wide defender as he takes longer strides and can take away trajectories with his size. Needs to progress further and get better at anticipating/feeling routes, but should be considered a perennial starter and potential all-conference player at the Power Five level. A cheap frame (over 6-foot-1) and an elite testing profile (4.5 in the 40-yard dash, along with a nearly 39-inch vertical jump) will likely have him on NFL scouts’ radar someday .
The 247Sports Composite, an industry-generated average, currently ranks Ricks as the nation’s #15 in the 2023 recruit class and #2 as a cornerback.