Texas and RB target Tiger Riden continue to build relationship

For 2025 Desoto (Texas) running back Deondrae “Tiger” Riden, the recruiting process has been a joy to this point.

The 5-foot-11, 205-pound On3 Industry Ranking four-star holds double-digit offers from some of the best programs in the nation. Texas, Oklahoma, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Texas A&M are all building connections with the state champion tailback.

Riden suffered a shoulder injury in Desoto’s week 1 win last Friday. While he’s hoping it’s a minor setback, he’s keeping a positive outlook. College coaches are helping, like Texas running back coach Tashard Choice.

Choice checked on Riden soon after his injury and their relationship continues to grow.

“We’re going great,” Riden told Inside Texas about Choice. “That’s my guy, we have been having consistent conversations along with other staff members.”

Other members includes Texas coach Steve Sarkisian, who has inserted himself into the recruitment. It’s always a good sign with the head coach gets involved.

“Coach Sark has been reaching out a lot during this recruiting process,” said Riden.

There’s some familiarity with Riden in Austin. Current Horns like Byron Murphy, Johntay Cook, and Tre Wisner are former Desoto Eagles that Riden knows well. And they stay in touch with the 2025 target, he tells Inside Texas.

Riden hit the road this offseason and took unofficial visits to a number of schools. That includes Texas, Oklahoma, SMU, and Ole Miss. He’s also looking at attending the Red River Shootout in October as a guest of the Horns, the home team in 2023.

The DFW product rushed for 1,350 yards and 18 touchdowns as a sophomore on 199 carries (6.8 YPC), and was instrumental in the Eagles state championship run.

Riden checks in as the No. 27 player from the state of Texas in the 2025 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s the No. 151 overall prospect and No. 11 running back in the nation.

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