Auburn recruiting flip dials up hype for Big Cat Weekend

Auburn football recruiting flip Demarcus Riddick, who announced on July 26 his intention to join the Plains after initially committing to Georgia, dialed up the hype for Big Cat Weekend — claiming that the weekend is going to be a “great time.”

“Big Cat Weekend? I would just say we’re finna turn up, all the players,” Riddick said (h/t Rivals). “All the guys just coming this weekend, it’s gonna be a great time. This weekend’s gonna be a great weekend.”

Riddick was the Tigers’ primary defensive target on the recruiting trail for Ron Roberts and Hugh Freeze’s other defensive staffers. Now, AU looks to move in on another 5-star, Alabama commit Perry Thompson out of Foley, among others, during Big Cat Weekend.

Demarcus Riddick on why he chose the Auburn football program

The Chilton County High School product described his decision to commit to the Auburn football program as one that was born out of wanting to feel like he was at his true home; and now that the decision is in the rearview mirror, Riddick is happy.

“Just the community, their fanbase, the team, the players, everything pretty much,” Riddick said. “Just knowing that I’m an Auburn Tiger now, it feels great. It feels great to know that I get to be close to home and be a Tiger for the rest of my life. I’m really glad that it’s over with. Every day that I’m out in the community, it’s like ‘Where you going? Go to [Alabama], go to Auburn.’ Now that everybody knows where I’m going, I’m glad it’s over with.”

Riddick told Rivals’ Caleb Jones that his July 26 decision was a gift to his mother.

“I almost teared up because it’s my momma’s birthday and that was my gift from me to her,” Riddick prefaced before saying, “Right then and there I about teared up.”