Texas A&M recently landed a commitment from the state's top-rated 2025 RB in DeSoto's Deondrae "Tiger" Riden, one of the five most offered prospects in Texas with 40. 

The Aggies beat out significant national programs for his verbal pledge, including Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State and in-state rival Texas. 

Riden (5-10, 190) credited TAMU head coach Mike Elko and the program's direction under his leadership as his reasoning. 

Texas A&M fans should be excited about this commitment because Riden brings a lot of skill to the table and possesses a key trait that sticks out to Dave Campbell's Texas Football Recruiting Director Greg Powers. 

"Tough," Powers said when asked to describe Riden in a word. 

"To expand on that a bit, Riden overcame a significant injury to bounce back and lead his team to a state title last season. He was the team's leading rusher in 2022, a team that featured Texas RB signee Tre Wisner, and finished with over 1,000 yards last year despite the fact he suffered a dislocated elbow in game one."

"His huge (254-yard) performance against Southlake Carroll in the semifinals epitomized that toughness and showcased his explosive ability against one of the state's top-ranked defenses," Powers continued. 

Injuries are part of the games, especially for a running back like Riden, who plays versus one of the most demanding schedules in the nation. 

"I've had to deal with injuries," Riden said. "I dislocated both elbows [this past season], fractured my thumb, and fractured my ankle. A lot of things like that."

Desoto has played 16-game slates in back-to-back seasons en route to two-straight state championships, and Riden said missing some of those games was challenging. 

"My mentality right now is to go 16 games straight," Riden said. "My other goal is more of a team goal. I want every one of my teammates to get an offer, no matter the program. I want them to get noticed."

Powers went on to explain that Riden is the "total package" and has remained humble throughout a recruiting process that has brought him coast-to-coast attention. 

"[My parents] have given me everything I could ask for growing up," Riden said. "My dad has taught me to stay humble. Don't get big-headed, and just keep working hard."

Riden rushed for over 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns, earning 11-6A Offensive Newcomer of the Year honors. This past season, he rushed for over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns.