After a difficult first season with the Texas A&M Aggies, cornerback Dezz Ricks is turning heads during fall camp as one of the team’s most improved and determined players. Once considered a top high school recruit, Ricks is now focused on redemption and showing why the hype surrounding him was warranted in the first place.
A Rough Start in College Station
Ricks arrived in College Station with high expectations following his transfer from Alabama. A former four-star recruit, he was seen as a potential difference-maker for the Aggies’ secondary. However, circumstances quickly escalated beyond what anyone had planned.
Due to a string of injuries in the defensive backfield, Ricks was thrown into a major role with little preparation. Despite having logged just nine defensive snaps at Alabama in 2023, he ended up playing an eye-popping 650 snaps during his first season at Texas A&M. Unsurprisingly, it was a steep learning curve. According to Pro Football Focus, Ricks surrendered 613 yards when targeted—more than any other defender in the SEC.
While those numbers painted a rough picture, coaches never lost faith in his potential.
Bateman: Ricks a ‘Shining Star’ of Fall Camp
During a recent media session, defensive coordinator Jay Bateman praised Ricks for his development and attitude throughout the offseason and fall camp. Bateman was candid in acknowledging that Ricks was put in an extremely challenging position last season.
“I think, unfairly, we asked him to play 650 snaps as a redshirt freshman at one of the more competitive, most challenging things that a young man can do, which is play press corner, field corner in the SEC,” Bateman said. “I think he had a really good start to his career. Obviously, it drifted at the end. He knows that, I know that – we are reminded of that very frequently.”
Despite the bumpy ride, Bateman believes the tough experience has forged a stronger, more focused Ricks. “He has really embraced this camp. I think he has been one of the shining stars of this camp, and I have a lot of faith and confidence in that kid.”
Fighting for a Starting Spot
With fall camp in full swing, the competition at cornerback remains fierce. All-SEC performer Will Lee has secured one of the starting spots, but the battle for the other cornerback role is still up for grabs. Ricks is competing with Jayvon Thomas, veteran nickelback Tyreek Chappell, and Georgia transfer Julio Humphrey for the opportunity.
“Will Lee has stepped on the gas,” Bateman said. “He has left no doubt that he is improving every day. I think the other position is extremely competitive.”
That competition has brought out the best in Ricks, who is now more determined than ever to prove his critics wrong and live up to the promise he showed as a recruit.
A New Chapter Ahead
For Dezz Ricks, the lessons learned during a difficult 2024 season have become fuel for growth. Rather than allowing last year’s struggles to define him, he has used them as motivation to become better. His strong showing during camp is a testament to his perseverance and belief in his own abilities.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Aggies may very well have a reinvigorated weapon in their secondary. And if Ricks continues to shine the way he has throughout camp, the redemption story could be one of the most compelling narratives of Texas A&M’s season.