Interview: 2024 Florida WR/DB Ric’Darious Farmer was Worthy of All-American Honors
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Going against top Florida competition is one thing, playing in all three phases of the game truly impacting two sides is another, and all of that is not nearly as impressive as finding out the player putting up the gaudy numbers was a freshman and playing receiver for the first time. High school and college football fans, get ready to learn the name Ric’Darious “Dayday” Farmer.
The coaches at Holy Trinity put a lot of faith in Farmer during the 2020 season, and the rising star came through with flying colors. The Tigers played a shortened season (5-4) with Farmer getting after it in eight games. In those games, he hauled in 49 passes for 700 yards with eight trips into the end zone and carried the rock 16 times for 111 more yards. On special teams he took back five kicks for 148 yards and one punt for 26. Playing a mix of free and strong safety, the 6-0, 150-pound, athlete ended 36 plays, 30 solo, with a tackle for a loss, a sack, a forced fumble, and picked off three passes. All of the productivity on the field earned Farmer honorable mention All-State, but he was certainly worthy of Freshman All-American status.
Being snubbed by national media has not stopped Farmer’s recruiting process. Florida Atlantic has offered and just before this interview was conducted Penn State joined the club.
Heading to the RNG Clubhouse for the first time, Farmer covered ground on his standout freshman year and how he is working this offseason to improve upon his game changing skills.
Interview
Ric’Darious, the overall stat line you produced during the 2020 season was ridiculous, especially for the eight games played. Being a freshman, at what point did everything start clicking with you when the lightbulb went off knowing you could impact the game at such a high level?
After our first game – really, after my first carry. It was nothing different from city league. That is when I knew I would do well.
Let’s pick up on offense. What routes were you running within the scheme?
Slants and goes.
Which areas of your game showed the most improvement on offense?
High pointing the ball; I was three for three on deep balls. My route running improved. This was my first year playing receiver. I had to pick up on a lot things fast, but it got easier.
And the legend grows. Impressive that was your first time playing receiver.
Thank you.
Where were you lining up on defense and what were your responsibilities within the schemes?
Basically, during the regular season I went from free to strong safety. In the playoffs, I played corner. We play zone with the philosophy that nothing gets behind you. Playing corner, that is when I got my first pick in man coverage.
Staying on defense, what are you working on with your game this offseason?
Coming down towards the run. At safety last season, I was waiting on the running back. This year I am working on stopping them for less yards coming downhill.
How are you preparing for the 2021 season this spring on offense?
I ran track this year to get faster, working on receiver drills, working on my route running and catching.
Going to track, which event(s) are you competing in this spring?
I’ve had two meets running the 100.
Besides your track workouts, what are you doing to push your speed and agility forward?
A lot of running, work on my form to get faster and move faster.
Have you been to any camps yet this offseason?
I went to a UA (Under Armour) camp on Sunday. I went against a 3-Star, that was easy.
At the Under Armour Camp, what did you showcase of your skills?
My routes. In the middle of the routes, he was nowhere near me. I was all by myself.
Are you going to any college camps this summer?
There is a Florida State camp in June and a Miami camp coming up.
Which programs are showing interest but have not offered yet?
Florida State, Virginia Tech, and Penn State was showing interest but they just offered. They offered today.
Very cool. How did PSU offer you?
Off my video from the camp. The Penn State coach liked it, and they offered me.
How many offers is that for you now?
Two: FAU (Florida Atlantic) and Penn State.
Getting that first offer from FAU, what was that like for you?
Man, it was different. I wasn’t even in high school yet. It was so different.
Are you looking at visiting any schools this summer?
Any school that says I can go visit, I will go. I want to see as many as I can.
Ric’Darious, I enjoyed our time today. Keep us updated on the camps this summer.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Farmer family; Ric’Darious Farmer