Several of the top players in the Class of 2024 were in the Swamp on Saturday night as the Florida Gators took on the LSU Tigers.
2024 defensive back Desmond Ricks (6-1, 170, Bradenton, FL. IMG) was one of those guys on campus and he liked the energy in the Swamp.
“It was great, very loud atmosphere,” Ricks said of his visit to Florida on Saturday. “I enjoyed it a lot.”
While watching the Gators defense play against the Tigers, Ricks noticed some things that can improve and how he could help the team.
“I definitely see the defensive line getting after, but the defensive back room has a little bit of work to do obviously,” he said on the play of Florida’s defense. “I think guys like me can help fix that.”
Defensive backs coach Corey Raymond had a message for Ricks on Saturday and the defensive back likes his coaching style as well.
“He’s just telling me to keep on grinding and that he would love to have me here,” Ricks said on the message from Corey Raymond. “He’s not the type that’s just going to tell you how good you are, day in and day out you’re going to get better with him and get developed by him.”
Head coach Billy Napier also talks with Ricks on a weekly basis as they continue to build their relationship.
“I talk to him probably once a week,” he said on his talks with Napier. “Very cool guy, down to earth. We just have regular conversations.”
Ricks has been a frequent visitor to Gainesville, and he says he likes several things about the Gators and their program.
“It’s not far from home and it’s just a great atmosphere,” he said on what he likes about Florida. “I know a lot of people up here so it would be just a second home away from home.”
Despite the losing effort on Saturday, Ricks says he doesn’t really pay attention to the results on the field this year but more to what the future looks like.
“Not necessarily because I’m not playing this season,” Ricks said on if Florida losing makes him second guess the Gators. “At the end of the day it’s just about how the program is going forward. The coaching staff is new, so this isn’t really their players.”