Louisville (Ky.) St. Xavier alum Desmond Ridder was not highly thought of coming out of the prep ranks in the class of 2017. Some thought the dual-threat quarterback could play another position at the next level.
The low three-star prospect landed at Cincinnati and put together a historical career as a late bloomer.
The 6-foot-4 quarterback left UC as the all-time leader in passing touchdowns (87) and total yards (12,418). Ridder had a remarkable 44 wins as a starter — third-most in college football history — with an undefeated record at Nippert Stadium.