The Early Years
Desmond Ridder was born on February 13, 2000, in Louisville, Kentucky. He attended St. Xavier High School in Louisville, where he played quarterback for the school’s football team for three years. Ridder’s talent on the field was immediately clear, and he quickly became one of the most talked-about high school football players in the state of Kentucky.
During his time at St. Xavier, Ridder led his team to multiple victories and received numerous awards and accolades. He was named the Kentucky High School Player of the Year for his impressive performances during his senior year. After graduating from high school, Ridder committed to play college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats.
College Career
Ridder’s college career got off to a bit of a slow start. He served as the backup quarterback to Hayden Moore during his freshman year and only made one start in the 2018 season. However, Ridder’s fortunes changed dramatically in his sophomore year when he became the starting quarterback for the Bearcats.
In his first season as the starting quarterback, Ridder led the Bearcats to a 10-3 record, throwing for 2,164 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also contributed to the team’s strong ground game, rushing for 583 yards and five touchdowns. Ridder’s impressive performance earned him the AAC Offensive Player of the Year award, making him the first Cincinnati football player to earn this distinction.
Ridder continued his dominance during the 2020 season, leading the Bearcats to an undefeated regular season record and securing a spot in the AAC championship game. He threw for 2,296 yards and 19 touchdowns and rushed for an additional 592 yards and 12 touchdowns. Ridder’s performance during the season earned him the AAC Offensive Player of the Year award for the second time in his college career.
Looking to the Future
Desmond Ridder has achieved a great deal of success in his college football career, but his future looks equally promising. He is already being considered as a potential NFL draft pick for the 2022 draft, with many experts predicting that he could be selected in the early rounds.
In addition to his success on the football field, Ridder has also demonstrated strong leadership skills and a commitment to his community. He has been involved in various philanthropic activities, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Down Syndrome Association of Cincinnati.
As Ridder looks to the future, one thing is clear: he is a talented and dedicated athlete who has the potential to achieve great things both on and off the field. Football fans around the country will no doubt be watching closely to see what he accomplishes next.