Friday Night Breakdown: 5-star Auburn LB commit Demarcus Riddick

WETUMPKA, ALABAMA – Auburn Live was on-hand Friday night to watch 5-star Auburn linebacker commit Demarcus Riddick from Clanton (Ala.) Chilton County.

Chilton County High School was part of a jamboree which included Wetumpka (Ala.) High and Russell County (Ala.) High. First, Chilton and Russell faced off for two quarters. After that, Chilton returned to take on Wetumpka for 2 quarters.

Here is everything Auburn Live observed from Friday night.

Riddick in-game notes and analysis

— Riddick was the kick returner to open things up.. It was not live.

— First drive down for Riddick. Not much action there

— Riddick is knocking some rust off, he gets in on his first tackle of the night. There was a false step, but he gets there pretty quick.

— Denver Harper for Russell County just took it to the house.. That was one I had on my list tonight. Riddick was on the other side of the field in a hook zone, he then turned on the jets and ran the guy down.. He got a hand on which was impressive.

— It is important to remember, at this point, there’s no point in analyzing him as a backer.. He’s a freak athlete with linebacker size and ability. That’s what coaches are looking for. Can’t coach that part. Riddick just showed some speed on that one. Elite speed for a backer.

— Another tackle for Riddick.. He’s settling in now and getting sideline to sideline well.

— Then a missed tackle.. He overpursued and got cut back on.. It was that man Denver Harper again. Kid can play.. A little small, but he can play.

— There’s the elite athleticism.. He locked onto a receiver (Denver Harper) in coverage and knocked the ball down. Got it on video.. That’s the stuff that separates him.

Post-game analysis

— Riddick had a slow start, but he quickly got it going when playing in space and covering. He will be asked to do that at Auburn and will be perfect for it. One of the most impressive plays of the night was in coverage against a small, quick receiver who had already caused problems. He attached himself and covered him 20+ yards down the field to knock it away.

— Riddick’s effort was not elite, though he never looks like he is trying too hard. When plays were away from him, there were a few times that he tracked them down. He can burst in a hurry and get to full speed quickly. He has good long-speed, too.

Other standouts

— 2024 tight end Hunter Ousley was active. He played H-back, tight end, and receiver for Chilton. He had a nice catch while sliding down. He was also very active as a blocker. He currently has a PWO offer from Auburn. Good size at 6-foot-4 235 pounds.

— 2025 prospect Denver Harper stood out at receiver for Russell County. He had two touchdowns, one being a long one down the sidelines on a medium route. He also had several other catches against Chilton County.

— 2026 safety Markevious Yancie was a safety for Russell County who had a few big hits. He forced a fumble with a low hit on the running back. He also jarred a ball loose with a big hit on a receiver in the middle of the field. He get his head below the helmet and delivered a great shot. He was all over the field.

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