Hokies Recruiting: Ricky DeBerry Decision Preview and Prediction
By Tim Thomas
Aug 30, 2014; Blacksburg, VA, USA; William & Mary Tribe quarterback Steve Cluley (16) rolls out to pass during the first quarter against Virginia Tech Hokies defensive end Ken Ekanem (4) during the first quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
A lot of the top remaining uncommitted recruits are starting to make their collegiate decisions and that includes Ricky DeBerry. The recruiting battle for DeBerry has been fairly wide open throughout the process with many schools across the country being right in the hunt.
One factor that hasn’t seemed to have a major impact is proximity to home though DeBerry will not be headed to the Pac-12 so proximity to home was a factor to a certain extent. The fact that the ACC, Big 12, Big 10, and SEC play games within 10 hours of DeBerry’s home in Mechanicsville, Virginia might also limit the impact of proximity to home on DeBerry’s decision.
DeBerry has received 49 offers which are all from major programs except the AAC’s East Carolina. Michigan State was seen as one of the frontrunners and also received an official visit from the Virginia native. However, Michigan State was not included by DeBerry as a finalist when he announced his scheduled decision date.
DeBerry is a flexible recruit that could end up playing at either defensive end or outside linebacker in college due in part to his current size at 6-2 and around 235 pounds. DeBerry will also be playing in the U.S. Army All-American Game which is still one of the two premier games featuring top high school players along with the growing Under Armour All-American Game.
DeBerry is ranked as the 122nd best player by ESPN and Rivals while the 247 Sports Composite rankings has him ranked 94th in the nation. At outside linebacker, DeBerry is ranked as the 10th best by Rivals and as the 7th best outside linebacker by 247 Sports. Meanwhile, DeBerry is ranked as the 13th best defensive end by ESPN while 247 Sports also lists him as a potential defensive end.
So, let’s take a look at the chances of different finalists for DeBerry.