MEMPHIS, TN. - - As NSFL teams wind down from a whirlwind Ultimus week, their attention turns to retaining players, free agency, and the NSFL Draft. As teams interview players, hold private workouts, and finalize their draft boards some prospects have solidified themselves at the top of the prospect pecking order.
As the competition to see who will go first overall between Brice Boggs and Godfrey King heats up in mock drafts from all manner of media outlets, we turn our attention to players who have not had the level of hype surrounding them heading into this draft. One of these players is former Tennessee Volunteer Linebacker William Ridley.
On a temperate fall morning in Memphis William Ridley runs along the streets where he grew up. Ridley stops for a moment at Central High School, looking through the wire fence at where this journey started. An All-American out of Central, Ridley courted offers from UCLA, Florida State, and Vanderbilt University. Deciding to commit to UTENN was a no brainer; “I think when I look back when I was trying to decide, it really became clear that the Vols had my best interest at heart, they wanted me to come in and compete and I feel I competed at the best of my ability.”
Ridley finishes his morning with a hearty breakfast at Bryant’s. His mornings start at 4am when he starts his pre-draft workout, working on agility and speed. “I’ve spoken to a few guys in the league and they’ve given me a few pointers. I’m very excited to see the changes in my game.” After his workout, Ridley goes for his run, finishing at Bryant’s where he gets some Tuesday morning quarterbacking from the locals. “I’ve known Will for 17 years, he’s been coming here for as long as I’ve been working here. It’s pretty crazy to imagine that kid playing in the NSFL,” long-time Bryant’s manger Burt Gimple adds as he stops by the table to drop off a fresh bottle of water.
Ridley comes into the league after a successful career under coach Butch Jones. Ridley declared himself for the Season 3 NSFL Draft. Jones says of Ridley, “he’s a natural leader, he was never the strongest in our weight room, he wasn’t the fastest on the track, but he brought an intensity, a drive to the team. He’s one tenacious young man, I can tell you that.” Jones was critical of Ridley’s first two seasons in Knoxville, “I noticed there was a block which seemed to be preventing him from taking the next step.” Ridley’s junior year saw those concerns disappear, leading the SEC in tackles, and establishing himself as a true NSFL prospect.
Ridley credits this turnaround with a change in mentality, avoiding self-imposed stresses, Ridley focused on becoming a less one-dimensional player. This growth continued in his senior year, seeing his tackling production drop into Top 5 in the SEC, Ridley saw a marked increase in his involvement on third downs. “I think my biggest accomplishment was being team captain during my senior year, I think being recognised by your peers is the best compliment you can receive, and I hope to achieve a similar honour in the pros.”
In a few short days Ridley will be hoping to trade his life in Memphis for a shot at the big time. However, he seems unfazed by the prospect of coming up against some stiff competition. Ridley believes he will bring a determined attitude, a powerful presence in stopping the run, and a good attitude to any locker room he lands in; “I think I bring a strong attitude. I think my time in college taught me it’s what you do during the week which leads to results on gameday. I’m not coming into the league to sit on my hands and not improve. I want to be a starter, I want to compete for a position. I don’t want to be handed anything.”
Ridley is unsure of his draft stock with teams, but he can confirm one team has him rising the draft boards. Ridley however will not get drawn in to discussing preferred landing spots, with a handful of season 3 rookies declaring potential hold outs if they aren’t selected by their preferred team; “I have seen a lot of rookies discussing potential landing spots, or taking it a step further and declaring a hold out if they don’t go to their preferred team. That isn’t my style, if the Otters draft me, I’ll be on the first plane to LA. If Yellowknife draft me I’ll be in Yellowknife the next day. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, it’s a privilege to be considered talented enough to play in this league. I will contribute no matter where I am selected.”
With the DFSL beginning its inaugural season this year, Ridley says he sees the benefits; “for a player like myself who isn’t as hotly pursued as other players, it could be a great opportunity to get extended game time, develop your locker room style and put your skills on show for the team who drafted you.” Ridley looks forward to working out with teams over the coming days to ascertain his draft stock, he puts himself falling to the 4th round.
“Of course, I would love to make the roster of an NSFL team, however I know spots are limited and all I can do is try to put myself into the best position to make the most of the opportunities presented to me.”
From my time with him in his hometown, I really got a feel of what kind of player William Ridley hopes to be. A born leader who wants to make a positive impact on the field, and a positive impact on his teammates off the field; and while the Boggs, Willeys, and Kings of the world will make an instant impact on their new teams; a player like William Ridley will come in, put in the work needed to become that every down player, and show teams they made a mistake by not drafting him on draft day.
(1018 words approx.)
GRADED
As the competition to see who will go first overall between Brice Boggs and Godfrey King heats up in mock drafts from all manner of media outlets, we turn our attention to players who have not had the level of hype surrounding them heading into this draft. One of these players is former Tennessee Volunteer Linebacker William Ridley.
On a temperate fall morning in Memphis William Ridley runs along the streets where he grew up. Ridley stops for a moment at Central High School, looking through the wire fence at where this journey started. An All-American out of Central, Ridley courted offers from UCLA, Florida State, and Vanderbilt University. Deciding to commit to UTENN was a no brainer; “I think when I look back when I was trying to decide, it really became clear that the Vols had my best interest at heart, they wanted me to come in and compete and I feel I competed at the best of my ability.”
Ridley finishes his morning with a hearty breakfast at Bryant’s. His mornings start at 4am when he starts his pre-draft workout, working on agility and speed. “I’ve spoken to a few guys in the league and they’ve given me a few pointers. I’m very excited to see the changes in my game.” After his workout, Ridley goes for his run, finishing at Bryant’s where he gets some Tuesday morning quarterbacking from the locals. “I’ve known Will for 17 years, he’s been coming here for as long as I’ve been working here. It’s pretty crazy to imagine that kid playing in the NSFL,” long-time Bryant’s manger Burt Gimple adds as he stops by the table to drop off a fresh bottle of water.
Ridley comes into the league after a successful career under coach Butch Jones. Ridley declared himself for the Season 3 NSFL Draft. Jones says of Ridley, “he’s a natural leader, he was never the strongest in our weight room, he wasn’t the fastest on the track, but he brought an intensity, a drive to the team. He’s one tenacious young man, I can tell you that.” Jones was critical of Ridley’s first two seasons in Knoxville, “I noticed there was a block which seemed to be preventing him from taking the next step.” Ridley’s junior year saw those concerns disappear, leading the SEC in tackles, and establishing himself as a true NSFL prospect.
Ridley credits this turnaround with a change in mentality, avoiding self-imposed stresses, Ridley focused on becoming a less one-dimensional player. This growth continued in his senior year, seeing his tackling production drop into Top 5 in the SEC, Ridley saw a marked increase in his involvement on third downs. “I think my biggest accomplishment was being team captain during my senior year, I think being recognised by your peers is the best compliment you can receive, and I hope to achieve a similar honour in the pros.”
In a few short days Ridley will be hoping to trade his life in Memphis for a shot at the big time. However, he seems unfazed by the prospect of coming up against some stiff competition. Ridley believes he will bring a determined attitude, a powerful presence in stopping the run, and a good attitude to any locker room he lands in; “I think I bring a strong attitude. I think my time in college taught me it’s what you do during the week which leads to results on gameday. I’m not coming into the league to sit on my hands and not improve. I want to be a starter, I want to compete for a position. I don’t want to be handed anything.”
Ridley is unsure of his draft stock with teams, but he can confirm one team has him rising the draft boards. Ridley however will not get drawn in to discussing preferred landing spots, with a handful of season 3 rookies declaring potential hold outs if they aren’t selected by their preferred team; “I have seen a lot of rookies discussing potential landing spots, or taking it a step further and declaring a hold out if they don’t go to their preferred team. That isn’t my style, if the Otters draft me, I’ll be on the first plane to LA. If Yellowknife draft me I’ll be in Yellowknife the next day. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, it’s a privilege to be considered talented enough to play in this league. I will contribute no matter where I am selected.”
With the DFSL beginning its inaugural season this year, Ridley says he sees the benefits; “for a player like myself who isn’t as hotly pursued as other players, it could be a great opportunity to get extended game time, develop your locker room style and put your skills on show for the team who drafted you.” Ridley looks forward to working out with teams over the coming days to ascertain his draft stock, he puts himself falling to the 4th round.
“Of course, I would love to make the roster of an NSFL team, however I know spots are limited and all I can do is try to put myself into the best position to make the most of the opportunities presented to me.”
From my time with him in his hometown, I really got a feel of what kind of player William Ridley hopes to be. A born leader who wants to make a positive impact on the field, and a positive impact on his teammates off the field; and while the Boggs, Willeys, and Kings of the world will make an instant impact on their new teams; a player like William Ridley will come in, put in the work needed to become that every down player, and show teams they made a mistake by not drafting him on draft day.
(1018 words approx.)
GRADED
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