3 things to know about Cowboys nose tackle John Ridgeway
Simply put, Dallas lacks big, physical run stoppers up the middle of this defensive front and John Ridgeway fits that play style to a T. One of the Cowboys’ four fifth-round picks, he is likely to see a fair bit of play time as this roster is deep on 3-tech defensive tackles but only have DT Quinton Bohanna as a run-stop specialist.
These guys are block occupiers who allow more talented pass rushers to attack the QB while also plugging up lanes in the run game. Far from a sexy position and pick, Ridgeway offers a lot that defensive coordinator Dan Quinn will love. Here are a few notes about who he is, what he’s done and how he fits at The Star.
Early Years and Recruitment
Ridgeway was raised in Bloomington, Illinois to parents Katie and John Jr., born on May 7, 1999. He was a three-year varsity player under coaches Rigo Schmelzer and Joe Walters at Bloomington High School where he’d garner all-state offensive and defensive line honors as a senior.
He’d also earn Bloomington Athlete of the Year in 2017 as he ended his high school career with football, two years of shot put and discus, one year of fishing and four years of wrestling on his résumé, winning the state wrestling title in 2017 as well.
Ridgeway would play the majority of his college ball at Illinois State before transferring to Arkansas for 2021. Although he was only a 2-star recruit, Ridgeway saw some big programs interested in him including Texas, Penn State and Iowa among others but chose to become a Razorback for his final year of eligibility.
College Career
Ridgeway absolutely dominated the competition at Illinois State which saw his call up to the FBS level inevitable. Once he got to Arkansas his presence was felt immediately as he returned from missing the season opener after an appendectomy to give the Razorback defensive front life.
As a 1-tech, Ridgeway did not light up the stat sheet but played his role very well totaling 39 tackles, four for a loss with two sacks to boot.
3) Play Style and Fit
As mentioned, Dallas simple lacks run stoppers on the roster who can play the highly-coveted 1-tech position. Outside Bohanna, there is no one on roster who specializes at the position. Ridgeway plugs in immediately as a rotational piece who has a real shot to make that role his.
The 1-tech position is not a sexy one in the slightest as they do a lot of work that goes unnoticed. This role was made for a player like Ridgeway as he has been a player who thrives of bringing energy and power to the field and opening up holes for teammates. At 6-foot-5, 321 pounds with a lackluster athletic profile, Dan Quinn likely sees Ridgeway as the potential future at the nose tackle position.
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