Illinois State defensive tackle John Ridgeway has committed to transfer to the Arkansas Razorbacks. The big 6-6, 325-pound lineman went public with his decision at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, becoming the Hogs’ second transfer commitment of the day after former Missouri defensive lineman Markell Utsey announced his pledge.
Ridgeway first reported his offer from the Razorbacks last week, then saw his recruitment soar with new offers coming from Texas, USC, Michigan, Tennessee, Penn State, Iowa, Indiana, Arizona State, and others.
“I want to thank all the schools who showed interest in me and offering me,” Ridgeway tweeted. “I am extremely blessed for the opportunities. But at this time after thoroughly weighing my options, I have decided to commit to the University of Arkansas!!!”
In four games last fall, Ridgeway totaled 22 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and an interception. Ridgeway had 50 tackles and 3 tackles for loss while starting 15 games in 2019.
By our calculations, Ridgeway will have a maximum of two years of eligibility remaining as the 2020 COVID season was not counted against him.
Here’s a closer look at Ridgeway’s bio from the official Illinois State football site:
2019: All-Missouri Valley Football Conference Honorable Mention selection … started all 15 games at nose guard for the Redbirds, who ranked No. 4 in the country in scoring defense (16.0) and No. 1 in sacks (52) … finished the season with 50 tackles, including 28 solo stops, and had three TFLs while often demanding double teams in the middle of the defensive front … also credited with two pass breakups and a forced fumble … posted a career-high nine tackles against No. 1 North Dakota State … had eight tackles and a TFL in the season opener at Northern Illinois … recorded a TFL and five tackles in the season finale at Youngstown State.
2018: Named a FCS Freshman All-America selection by Phil Steele … Missouri Valley Football Conference All-Newcomer Team pick … played in all 11 games, with 10 starts at the nose guard position … vital component of the ISU rushing defense that was second in the conference allowing just 126.8 yards per contest … recorded 30 tackles on the season, including nine solo stops … also added a sack and 2.0 TFLs … returned a fumble 32 yards in the season finale against Youngstown State … recorded a sack and six tackles at Missouri State … tied career-high with six stops at North Dakota State … had four tackles and a half TFL in the victory at Colorado State.
2017: Redshirted.
Bloomington HS: Three-time varsity letterwinner for football under coaches Rigo Schmelzer and Joe Walters … All Big-12 offensive line selection and all-state defensive line selection in 2017 … Four-year letterwinner in wrestling, winning the Illinois state championship title in 2017 after placing fourth at the championships in 2016 … Competed in the shot put and discus during his sophomore and senior years … Named Bloomington High School’s Athlete of the Year in 2017 … Also participated in Bass Fishing as a freshman.
Personal: Full name is John Robert Ridgeway, III … Son of Katie and John Ridgeway, Jr. … Has a younger sister, Grace … Born May 7, 1999 in Bloomington, Ill. … Intended major is criminal justice.