Background

NAME: Eli Ricks

POSITION: CB

SCHOOL: Alabama

HEIGHT: 6’2″

WEIGHT: 190

CLASS: 3JR

HOMETOWN: Rancho Cucamonga, CA

HIGH SCHOOL: IMG Academy

DOB: 9/26/2001

GAMES WATCHED: Mississippi State (2020), Central Michigan, Mississippi State

Career Stats

• 2020 (10 games at LSU): 7 starts. 20 tackles, 0.5 for loss, 4 INT, 5 pass deflections, and 2 TD.
• 2021 (6 games at LSU): 6 starts. 11 tackles, 0.5 for loss, 1 INT, and 1 pass deflection.

Analysis

Ricks is a very impressive corner that will likely declare in 2023. With a lanky, long frame and strong, quick hands, Ricks is able to pester wide receivers from snap to whistle. He’s excellent at pushing his man to the boundary in coverage, leaving them little space to make a play. He also does a great job of mirroring receivers and not falling for deceptive moves meant to create separation. However, Ricks does struggle with inside routes. He really has trouble staying with his man and puts himself in positions where it’s difficult to make a play on the ball. Ricks also doesn’t have the best long speed: if you can find a way over the top of him, you can beat him. He’s also not going to be a huge contributor as a run defender. Was arrested this summer for speeding and marijuana possession. Overall, Ricks is another talented corner in this class who I believe is worthy of a first round grade. Based on his film and projecting his ceiling, he’s currently my CB1. Hopefully he bounces back from his 2021 shoulder injury and performs well for the Alabama secondary this year.

Tier: Round 1