Alabama Cornerback Takes His Talents To The NFL

The Alabama Crimson Tide wrapped up its 2022 season with a 45-20 Sugar Bowl victory over Kansas State on Saturday. Athletes on the Alabama roster are now beginning to make decisions on where they will continue their playing career.

Alabama Crimson Tide junior cornerback Eli Ricks has taken to social media to announce that he will leave Tuscaloosa and opt to enter the upcoming NFL Draft.

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Ricks was a highly anticipated transfer from LSU, but his 2022 season didn't unfold the way he envisioned. He made five starts for the Tide towards the end of the year while playing in 10 games. He recorded eight tackles and four pass breakups this year.

The California native was a 5-star prospect in high school and enrolled at LSU. He made his mark for the Tigers earning Second Team AP All-American  as a freshman.

Ricks was picked as preseason All-SEC player in 2022, however injuries and the difficulty of Alabama's playbook limited his ability to get onto the field early. The Crimson Tide cornerback room saw contributions from Kool-Aid McKinstry, Khyree Jackson and Terrion Arnold that also kept Ricks from getting on the field.

Alabama will be returning McKinstry and Jackson in the defensive backfield for the 2023 season.

Ricks is expected to be a first round selection in April's NFL Draft.