Ridge Diffine '15 Recruiting Profile

Update. My senior year didn't go as planned. After earning the starting running back position I tore my ACL in practice before the first game. I tried to play without it and got 51 yards on 3 touches before the swelling forced me to come out. Instead of injuring it further I chose to sit out my senior year and have it repaired. I had surgery in October and my recovery is going great. I hope to be back for some of this baseball season. I am still hoping to be able to continue to play football at the college level after I graduate. End of update. I have been playing football since the age of 9 and it would be my dream to continue that in college. I am willing to work hard and to do whatever it takes to get the opportunity to get to play at the next level.

I was very successful in youth football as a running back and linebacker making team offensive player of the year and all star team. A foot injury my 7th grade year kept me out most of the season, but I came back in 8th grade to be a two way starter and averaged over 120 yds all purpose per game with 15 touchdowns as a slot back. The highlight of my 8th grade year was vs Charleston MO. I had a punt return and 3 carries for 150 yards, all for touchdowns, for a rare perfect "no-tackler"(see first minute of 8th grade clips). My freshman year I started on varsity on special teams and saw significant playing time as a receiver. As a sophomore I was a two way varsity starter as well as on special teams and received offensive player of the game for our last regular season game(our only win) with 3 touchdowns(1 rushing,2 receiving). I moved to Arkansas my junior year and started on special teams and was voted MVP of special teams as well as averaging 8 plus yards a touch as a back-up running back while learning the new system and paying my dues as the new kid. I was the leading rusher for our opening playoff game vs Atkins with 50 yards, and was the leading kick returner for the season with over 200 yards including 50 plus yards in our playoff loss to Charleston(only loss of the season), who was the eventual State Champion.

This summer I have spent time attending combines and skills camps as well as working on improving my strength and speed. I have added 15 pounds over the summer and have dropped my 40 time down into the lower 4.5 range. I was invited to attend both the NUC Top 100 regional camp/showcase and the NUC Top Prospect Elite Camp based on my performance at the regional combine in Memphis.

I am hoping to have a great year as a senior and am expected to start at running back and cornerback for the upcoming season. As a senior I will do my part to help the team and be a leader to the underclassmen as we rebuild and work together to hopefully get the opportunity to redeem ourselves in the playoffs this year.

I am also a varsity starter for baseball and currently have a 3.7 GPA with a 28 on the ACT.

I would greatly appreciate getting to talk with you about what I can do to get the opportunity to play at the next level.