It is no secret that in Lake Gibson’s Cormani McClain – a name we have talked about previously – the state of Florida boasts an elite talent at the cornerback position in the 2023 class. But did you know the 2024 class also has a budding superstar at the position in Desmond Ricks?

Not only in Florida, but the nation’s No. 1 overall player for the Class of 2024, Ricks simply has everything you would want in a lockdown corner.

Originally from Chesapeake, Virginia, Ricks grew up as a track star in addition to his heroics on the gridiron. But thanks to his combination of elite speed and athleticism, the 6-foot-1 rising junior particularly has made an impact on the football field.

Joining national powerhouse IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, as a freshman, Ricks saw time on the field in 2020, but truly began to emerge last season as a sophomore in a loaded IMG Academy secondary. In a position group full of 4- and 5-star recruits, Ricks distinguished himself and earned MaxPreps Sophomore All-American honors.

Looking ahead to his 2022 junior season at IMG Academy, Ricks is firmly cemented as one of the state’s  top corners and overall players – and even one of the more sought-after prospects in the entire 2024 class.

Not surprisingly for a player of Ricks’ caliber, he holds offers from more than 30 FBS programs, a list that includes top teams such as Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio State, Texas A&M, and more. While a decision might not be pending for Ricks, it’s clear there is interest in the nation’s top rising junior from programs across the country.

So, while Cormani McClain likely will garner a majority of the attention as the state’s top senior, don’t forget about Desmond Ricks. This junior is quickly emerging as one of the top prospects Florida has seen in recent memory.