Following a hectic season ridden with shoulder injuries, Desmond Ridder is more focused than ever as UC prepares for a unique football season amid the COVID-19 crisis. The 2018 American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year has persevered throughout his career, sporting nine come from behind wins and an 11-2 record last season (Cincinnati went 11-3, but he didn’t play in the final game of the regular season due to injury). Amidst recurring shoulder problems, Ridder also played through losing his voice, resorting to non-verbal gestures to call plays and communicate with his teammates. This kind of creativity and resilience is going to be crucial as he prepares for the upcoming season. Despite ending last season with a huge win at the 2020 Birmingham Bowl, where Ridder broke multiple records, his completion percentage was down to 55.1% last season, a notable drop from his freshman year of 62.4%. Ridder says the goal at camp is to reach 68% completion and while this is a huge jump, Ridder feels that his teammates make this an attainable goal.
With significant turnover in the wide receivers, including two new transfers along with five freshmen in the mix, there is concern about the team dynamics heading into this season. Ridder negates these concerns saying that the weeks at camp have been very effective in strengthening the teams dynamic, especially after a summer with limited contact due to COVID. It is essential for Ridder, with two seasons left of eligibility with UC, to better utilize his teammates to increase his completion percentage this season. Despite Ridder’s experience playing with UC, and his success in leading the team to 22 wins over two years, the quarterback still must remain on his toes to hold his starting position, as Ben Bryant is a strong counterpart. Ridder feels the competition is important and drives both himself and Bryant to become better players each year. Of course, with only two possible seasons left with UC (unless he cashes in on the free 2020 season), Ridder has his eyes on the championship ring this December, and is prepared to step up alongside his teammates to face a football season unlike any other, beginning with their first home game against the Austin Peay Governors on September 19.
