He came to the University of Alabama as a transfer under much hype, but will he be a better pro player?
Eli Ricks, a former Louisiana State University transfer, arrived at Alabama as a cornerback last spring. He was expected to become a starter and record marquee numbers, but it took a while for Ricks to hit the field.
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The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder earned his first start against Mississippi State and showed out. He recorded a team-high tying four pass breakups, showcasing his wingspan and athleticism to disengage wide receivers from the football. Ricks could not follow up that performance with another stellar outing; however, he did total a season-high six tackles against Kansas State in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Brian Branch, Ricks’ teammate at Alabama, carries the most excitement at the NFL Scouting Combine among the four former Tide defensive backs. NFL Draft evaluators see Branch as a year-one starter in the league, but Ricks made a bold statement to reporters Thursday during his interview. The California native will not work out at Indianapolis.
#CrimsonTide CB Eli Ricks on not participating in drills this week, but looking towards his pro day
“I expect to surprise a lot of people” pic.twitter.com/CDnGJfnYfz
— The Hot Read Podcast (@HotReadPod) March 2, 2023
*The video comes from The Hot Read Podcast
“I have a grade two hamstring strain that I am shaking back from,” Ricks said. “At pro day I will be doing everything, and I expect to surprise a lot of people, to be honest. I have seen some of the projections of my rating, so I think I am going to surprise some people.”
Ricks has always been one to bet on himself. We will see what he does at Alabama’s pro day.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
