It’s safe to say Gavin Riddle knows what to expect this fall when he attends Brevard College.
The Franklin senior’s sister plays soccer at the school, plus former football teammates and friends are on the Tornado’s roster.
“Hailey has told me everything there is to know about the school,” Riddle said. “Tyler (Harrison) talks to me a good bit about football, about how good the football coaching is there.”
Riddle, a 5-foot-10, 280-pound defensive lineman, committed to Brevard during a signing ceremony Feb. 26 in the FHS gym lobby.
He said the coaching staff was very convincing. The Tornados are coming off an 8-2 campaign in 2019, plus Riddle likes how their entire defensive secondary will be returning.
“It was just a perfect fit,” he said. “They needed a defensive tackle; I’m a defensive tackle.”
Brevard also has the major Riddle is leaning toward pursuing right now: physical therapy.
Next level
Riddle is a two-time all-conference selection. He racked up 59 tackles and a team-high 5 1/2 sacks as a junior.
If you watch game highlights from his senior year and it appears he was slightly tired, that’s because he added offensive line duties to his plate. He still finished with 53 tackles, including eight for a loss, both of which led the team.
Riddle started playing football when he was in seventh grade and “got pretty good pretty quick.”
He was a linebacker his first year. At an end-of-the-year pizza party, one of his coaches joked that if Riddle kept eating so much pizza he would be an offensive guard next year.
“I was an offensive guard that next year,” Riddle said.
Riddle isn’t sure if he’ll need to add more weight to prevent being a “pushover” at the next level.
One thing he does know is technique will be important, including stay low.
“They’re gonna be pretty big,” he said. “Being as short as I am, getting down low and getting there before they get there. Explosiveness.”
Luke Jaicks is Brevard’s defensive coordinator and recruited Riddle. Jaicks said Tyler Harrison, a 2019 FHS grad, vouched for Riddle’s character and on-field play.
“Once I watched Gavin’s film, I saw a relentless, selfless player that loved the game. You could see it in his play,” Jaicks said. “To get a good local talent who is also a great human being is exactly what we are looking for. Our 8-2 record was built on character and talent, and Gavin fits that mold.”
Coaches
Family, friends, coaches and teachers gathered in the gym lobby for Riddle’s signing ceremony.
FHS athletic director Blair King started it by congratulating Riddle on behalf of the administration, saying it’s awesome he’s going to the same school in which his sister signed with a year ago.
King said Riddle has some maturity growth from his freshman year to now. When a couple of his friends snickered, King doubled down on the comment.
“He’s on his own, he’s manned up,” King said. “When he makes a mistake, he owns it. You couldn’t ask for much more.”
FHS football coach Josh Brooks also spoke about Riddle’s growth, and complimented him for his demeanor.
“Your attitude every day, your likable smiles and silliness was something that was easy to look forward to,” Brooks said. “This past season was a struggle for us as a team. You could have been a problem as a senior but you weren’t. And I’ll forever appreciate that. And I appreciate what you gave Franklin football for four years.”
Just like he has with former players who committed to play college football, Brooks challenged Riddle to persevere when the going gets tough.
“Here’s the thing: you’ve played football, you’ve worked a job almost full-time, you’ve been a student and made good grades,” Brooks said. “So it’s gonna get tough, but not tough like you’ve had it. Just persevere through it.”
Defensive coordinator Matt Bradley said he really enjoyed coaching Riddle.
“But more than anything I’m really proud of you for what you’re doing, to in all seriousness, where you could have been based on situations and everything that were out of your control,” Bradley said. “I’m really just proud of you for that. I hope you go there and just work your butt off.”
Ryan Haley was the JV football head coach when Riddle was a freshman. He praised his consistency and the way he could take over.
“When we think of you as a football player, we think of dominance,” Haley said. “Nobody in the conference could stop you. You helped make me a better coach. You helped me learn how to deal with an eccentric athlete, which you are. But you have always been enjoyable to be around.”
Jay Brooks complimented Riddle for his positive attitude. Even though the Panthers struggled through a 1-10 season, the players didn’t let it affect them or turn sour.
“I know I looked forward more this year to coming to practice than I did some of the years when we were undefeated,” said Brooks, who coaches the offensive line. “People might be like, how could that be? Well, it’s a tribute to you guys on the team.”
Brooks said he’ll miss the relationship he had with Riddle, particularly his laugh.
“You’ll do as good as Gavin wants to,” Brooks said. “I’ve said that all along. I’ve said that I felt like you would be one of the best around here in Western North Carolina, and when you wanted to be you were. That’s for sure.”
Teachers
Susan Allen said she’s the most important coach he’s had this year: his English coach.
Allen didn’t know Riddle before this school year.
“I love Gavin and all of his quirky, lovable ways,” she said.
Allen also bragged on Riddle. He made the highest grade – which prompted Riddle to whisper “97” – on the final state exam of any student she’s ever had.
“Gavin I’m so proud of you and I’m just so excited for you,” she said.
Spanish teacher Joshua Jenkins called Riddle very responsible and honest. He was also impressed with how committed Riddle has been to his schoolwork while playing sports.
“You’ve done it in a very great way,” Jenkins said. “I’m very proud of you and I’m excited to hear about what you do in your future.”
Friends
Dan Parker came to FHS as a sophomore and didn’t know anyone. Riddle made fun of him a bit, which is how they became friends.
“He convinced me to play football this year, and it was the greatest year I’ve ever played,” Parker said. “It’s gonna be different with you not being here with all of us.”
Fellow senior Trey Woodard said he knows all about getting picked on by Riddle. But if he picks on you, Woodard said that also means you know Riddle will have your back no matter what.
“He comes and watches us and supports us seniors during the basketball season more than anyone I’ve ever seen,” Woodard said. “The way supports his friends, the way he wants us to do, the way he embarrasses us by yelling louder than everybody else – you can’t really help yourself but not love it.”
Family
Grandmother Dorothy Diddle (who is married to Stoney Diddle, giving her a similar name) explained that if her grandson picks on you or gives you a hard time, that means he likes you.
“That’s the way he shows affection. These two are pros at giving each other a hard time,” Diddle said, pointing to her grandchildren.
“He has worked hard. He’s worked super hard, and he’s changed a lot from freshman year. Very proud of him. I love watching him play. Super excited about watching him play at Brevard. It will never the same as it was at Franklin High School, for sure, but I’m ready for it.”
Hailey Riddle joked about how her brother’s weight growing up, but also complimented him.
“He worked very hard to get to where he is,” she said. “I’m just really proud of him.”