WholeHogSports · Nov 24, 2021
Ridgeway thriving as draft prospect, one of 'biggest risers overall'
Alabama offensive lineman Darrian Dalcourt (71) blocks Arkansas defensive lineman John Ridgeway (99) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)Maybe it was that heavyweight wrestling title he won in high school in Bloomington, Ill., that caught the eye of Arkansas coach Sam Pittman, who gave defensive tackle John Ridgeway the chance of a lifetime.
An afterthought coming out of high school because of academics, Illinois State took a chance on Ridgeway and he delivered. In 30 games with the Redbirds, the imposing defensive tackle notched 102 tackles, including 8 behind the line, forced 1 fumble and recovered 1.