John Ridgeway

PRIOR TO ARKANSAS: Played from 2017-21 at Illinois State … In Illinois State’s 2021 season, which was played in the spring due to COVID-19, tied for the team-lead making 22 tackles and added 3.0 tackles for loss, one interception, one pass broken up and three quarterback hurries over four games … In 2019 was named All-Missouri Valley Football Conference Honorable Mention … started all 15 games at nose guard for the Redbirds, who ranked No. 4 in the country in scoring defense (16.0) and No. 1 in sacks (52) … Totaled 50 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, two passes broken up and a forced fumble … Recorded a career-high nine stops against No. 1 North Dakota State … In 2018 was named FCS Freshman All-America by Phil Steele and a MVFC All-Newcomer … Played in all 11 games, making 10 starts at nose guard … Logged 30 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack and a fumble recovery … Returned a fumble 32 yards in the season finale against Youngstown State … Redshirted in 2017.

HIGH SCHOOL: Three-time varsity letterwinner for football under coaches Rigo Schmelzer and Joe Walters … All Big-12 offensive line selection and all-state defensive line selection in 2017 … Four-year letterwinner in wrestling, winning the Illinois state championship title in 2017 after placing fourth at the championships in 2016 … Competed in the shot put and discus during his sophomore and senior years … Named Bloomington High School’s Athlete of the Year in 2017 … Also participated in Bass Fishing as a freshman.

PERSONAL: Full name is John Robert Ridgeway, III … Son of Katie and John Ridgeway, Jr. … Has a younger sister, Grace … Born May 7, 1999 in Bloomington, Ill. … Intended major is criminal justice.