Riddick (Akron, Ohio / Buchtel HS) was named to his seventh All-America team of the season in the process. The 6-foot-7, 240-pound junior was also named FCS Co-Defensive End Performer of the Year by College Football Performance Awards in early January.

Riddick's 2013 season was a breakout campaign. He finished with more tackles (67), tackles for loss (19.0), sacks (8.5) and pressures (17) than in his previous two seasons combined. Riddick's sack total set a new Big South Conference single-season record and he finished ranked second nationally in tackles for loss per game. Riddick's 109 yards recorded behind the line of scrimmage led the nation in 2013.

Against top-25 teams, Riddick's performance was even better. He totaled 28 tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and nine quarterback pressures in four games against ranked opponents - helping Gardner-Webb to a 3-1 record in those games (2-0 at home).

Gardner-Webb's numbers as a team defensively were greatly enhanced in 2013, as the Runnin' Bulldogs finished fifth nationally and led the Big South with a league-record 296.8 yards allowed per game. GWU also ranked in the top-25 nationally in fourth down conversion defense (2nd), first downs allowed (8th), passing yardage defense (10th), third down defense (11th), rushing defense (17th), tackles for loss (18th) and pass efficiency defense (22nd).

With Riddick returning for his senior season, along with eight other starters on the defensive side of the football - including All-America nose guard O.J. Le'iatua Mau (6-2, 302) and All-Big South linebackers Tanner Burch (6-3, 241) and Chad Geter (6-2, 233) - Gardner-Webb will have a solid core for coordinator Randall McCray to work with again in 2014.