Former South Carolina signee Kalan Ritchie inks with LA Tech

Coming out of Goose Creek, S.C. in 2014, Kalan Ritchie was the 14th ranked high school prospect in the state of South Carolina. At 6-5 215 pounds, Ritchie played both tight end and defensive end for Goose Creek. By the end of his junior season, he had offers from South Carolina and Clemson and was being recruited by LSU, Alabama, Michigan and Vanderbilt. In May of his junior year, Ritchie decided to commit to play at the University of South Carolina.

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“They (South Carolina) gave me a great opportunity to extend my career in football and play in my home state,” Ritchie told BleedTechBlue.com.

As offers rolled in from Virginia Tech, North Carolina State, and Connecticut, Ritchie held strong to his commitment. After signing with South Carolina in 2014, the Gamecocks placed him in Georgia Military College with the belief he would be a part of the 2016 South Carolina class.

“Georgia Military gave me a great opportunity to play early and get the feel of a faster paced game. It allowed me to mature in many ways and develop an understanding that football is an area I can excel greatly in,” Ritchie said.

While at Georgia Military Ritchie accumulated 39 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 5 quarterback sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.

He remained committed to South Carolina throughout his time there but coaching changes can make a difference in a recruiting class. That’s exactly what happened to Ritchie when Steve Spurrier retired and was replaced by Will Muschamp. Just after the New Year, Ritchie was informed he wouldn’t be a part of the 2016 South Carolina class.

“I think it was me not being able to enroll there until May,” Ritchie said. “Tech being on the quarter system helped. I’ll be there March 7th and get to participate in spring practices.”

Ritchie visited Tech in January before deciding it was the place for him.

“I enjoyed Ruston. It’s a small town with a good football fan base. Their academics will allow me to set myself up for a great career after football. Louisiana Tech was the best fit for me.”

The graduation of Vontarrius Dora opens up a lot of playing time at defensive end and the now 6-6 235-pound Ritchie feels he can compete for those snaps. “I know I’ll be ready to step in and contribute as soon as I arrive on campus,” he said.

As for his plans after Tech, “I have always dreamed of playing in the NFL and I hope that’s where this journey takes me. After football I’d like to run my own business.”

Kalan arrives on campus March 7th and has two years of eligibility remaining. He plans to major in Business with a concentration in Marketing.