The buzz surrounding the Auburn Tigers’ linebacker corps for the 2025 season is palpable, and at the heart of that excitement is Demarcus Riddick. Entering his sophomore year, the highly-touted former four-star recruit is not just expected to contribute; he’s anticipated to play a “big part,” a role that could see him emerge as a breakout star and anchor of DJ Durkin’s defense.
Riddick’s journey to this pivotal point has been one of rapid ascension. Coming out of Chilton County High School in Clanton, Alabama, he was a highly sought-after prospect, flipping his commitment from Georgia to Auburn in July 2023. His talent was undeniable, possessing a versatile skill set that allowed him to play multiple positions in high school, from safety to linebacker, showcasing his athleticism and instincts. He was considered a top-tier linebacker in the 2024 recruiting class, ranked as the No. 5 linebacker nationally and the No. 6 player in Alabama by 247Sports.
As a true freshman in 2024, Riddick’s impact was immediate, if somewhat unexpected. Initially, it was believed he might be eased into action or even redshirt, given the presence of veteran linebackers like Eugene Asante, Dorian Mausi Jr., and Austin Keys. However, Riddick quickly proved he was ready for the big stage. He made two total stops in his first two games before having a breakout performance against Oklahoma. In just 23 snaps, he racked up six tackles and a sack, demonstrating his explosive playmaking ability and sideline-to-sideline speed, particularly in a “QB spy” role against mobile quarterbacks.
That Oklahoma game was a turning point. From that point on, Riddick consistently made an impact, recording at least two tackles in each of the final six games of the 2024 season. His top performance after Oklahoma came against Vanderbilt, where he tallied five stops. By the end of his freshman campaign, Riddick had appeared in 10 games, starting 3, and amassed impressive stats for a first-year player: 27 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. Beyond the raw numbers, his PFF (Pro Football Focus) report card from 2024 showed a strength in “creating pressures,” with 16 total pressures generated, including 11 quarterback hurries and 3 sacks. These numbers are a clear indication of his disruptive potential.
Now, as he enters his sophomore year in 2025, the stage is set for Demarcus Riddick to take on a significantly larger role. The veteran trio of Asante, Mausi, and Keys have all departed, leaving a void at the heart of Auburn’s defense. Riddick is now the most productive returning player in the Tigers’ linebacking corps by a wide margin, making him a prime candidate to anchor the unit.
The “big part” Riddick is expected to play encompasses several key areas:
- Full-Time Starter and Leader: Riddick is projected to be a full-time starter at linebacker. His experience as a freshman, having already played significant snaps in SEC games, gives him a head start. He’ll be counted on not only for his production but also for his leadership, guiding a younger linebacker group that includes players like Jakaleb Faulk, DJ Barber, and Bryce Deas.
- Expanded Role and All-Around Play: While he excelled in a niche “QB spy” role as a freshman, Riddick will now need to round out his game to become an all-around linebacker. This means improving his consistency in run defense, becoming even more disciplined in coverage, and taking on a heavier workload. The Tigers brought in experienced Maryland transfer Caleb Wheatland to potentially man the middle linebacker spot, which could allow Riddick to continue to be a more free-ranging player, leveraging his explosive athleticism.
- Continued Pressure Generation: One of Riddick’s undeniable strengths is his ability to create pressure on the quarterback. With 16 pressures as a freshman, he showed a knack for getting into the backfield. Auburn will rely on him to continue to be a disruptive force in their pass rush, whether through blitzes or by simply winning one-on-one matchups. This is particularly crucial given some lingering questions at interior defensive line positions.
- Veteran Presence (despite being a sophomore): Given the departure of older linebackers, Riddick, even as a sophomore, effectively becomes one of the more experienced players in the room. His understanding of the SEC game and his ability to quickly diagnose plays will be invaluable.
- Impact on Defensive Scheme: Defensive Coordinator DJ Durkin will likely tailor schemes to maximize Riddick’s unique skillset. His speed and instincts allow for creative blitz packages and versatile coverage assignments, making the Auburn defense more unpredictable.
With the departures, the Auburn linebacker depth chart will see new faces stepping into prominent roles. Alongside Riddick, Caleb Wheatland, the transfer from Maryland, is expected to compete for significant playing time, possibly at middle linebacker. Redshirt junior Robert Woodyard Jr. is another player who will be looking to have a breakout season and could vie for snaps alongside Riddick. Other younger players like Jakaleb Faulk, DJ Barber, and Bryce Deas will be developing behind them, learning from Riddick’s example and pushing for playing time.
Demarcus Riddick himself has spoken about his freshman season and his mindset: “Coming in as a freshman I didn’t really think I was going to see the field much. I thought I would see the field on special teams, but I didn’t really feel like I was going to be able to play on the defensive side of the ball until my sophomore year. When I got that first opportunity it just felt like, ‘Dang, I really worked my butt off to be in this position.’ Ever since then I’ve just kept working and working and keep going.”1 This quote perfectly encapsulates the drive and work ethic that has positioned him for a massive 2025.
The combination of Riddick’s natural talent, his valuable freshman experience, and the significant void left by departing veterans creates a perfect storm for him to ascend. His ceiling is incredibly high, and if he continues on his current trajectory, Demarcus Riddick will undoubtedly be a central figure in Auburn’s defensive identity in 2025, playing a truly big part in their quest for success.
