John Raridon, a Big-Time Division 1 Recruit

John Raridon, a 6-4 and 260-pound senior offensive lineman from West Des Moines Valley High School, is an elite Division 1 recruit. He’s already made quite an impression in Iowa and will likely help lead the Valley Tigers to yet another championship this year.

He joined a highly-touted class that included tackle Matt Farniok and guards Boe Wilson and Bryan Brokop in 2016. These players will form the backbone for Nebraska’s future success; others have since followed suit.

Early Life and Education

Raridon was raised in West Des Moines, Iowa and attended Valley High School where he helped guide them to a 10-3 record and trip to the Class 4A state semifinals in 2015. As a senior, Raridon earned himself a consensus four-star recruit status and an invitation to play in the Army high school all-American bowl.

His dad, Scott, played offensive line for the Huskers in the 1980s under Tom Osborne and was part of their 1988 national championship team. Additionally, Scott has extensive knowledge about Notre Dame having played there as a long snapper and later coaching under head coach Lou Holtz. So when his son committed to the university last weekend, some of those connections came back around to him.

Professional Career

John Raridon was a highly sought-after member of Nebraska’s 2016 recruiting class and is a second generation Cornhusker. After redshirting in 2017, he served as a reserve on their offensive line the following year. As a sophomore, Raridon made all five road games with Nebraska as part of their travel roster, featuring action in three games against No. 16 Wisconsin, Bethune-Cookman and Illinois.

John Raridon is the son of Scott and Traci Raridon from Valley High School in West Des Moines. During his senior season, John’s impressive blocking helped lead Valley to an impressive 10-3 record and trip to the Class 4A state semifinals. Additionally, John earned two Elite Team selections by The Des Moines Register as well as first-team all-state honors from Iowa Newspaper Association and Parade All-American distinction.

Achievements and Honors

Raridon made a name for himself on the football field during his senior year at Valley High School in West Des Moines. His outstanding blocking led coach Gary Swenson’s Tigers to an impressive 10-3 record and a trip to the Class 4A state semifinals.

He was named a first-team all-state selection by the Des Moines Register and an honorable mention Parade All-American. Additionally, he earned an Elite Team spot on the Iowa Newspaper Association’s all-state team.

The Raridon family, proud of their three sons John, Scott Jr. (Notre Dame) and Sam (Wisconsin), have earned all-state recognition in Iowa. Dale Raridon – who lives in Newton – notes this distinction as what sets their family apart.

Personal Life

Raridon earned himself a place among Iowa’s top prep programs as a sophomore, earning him first-team all-state recognition.

Raridon had plenty of offers, but ultimately decided to commit to Notre Dame due to something more than his athletic physique in South Bend. He needed to fill a void left by Jack Nickel’s recent de-commitment from Notre Dame.

Raridon spent time with coach Jim Holtz and other students on campus during his visit. He discovered that the Irish experience wasn’t just about Hudl rankings or satellite camps, but rather a place where people strive to be themselves and do the best they can.

Net Worth

John Raridon is a college football player from West Des Moines, Iowa. He stands at 6’0″, 260 pounds and has received scholarship offers from Tennessee, Florida State, Auburn and Iowa while majoring in business administration. Additionally, Raridon has served his community by volunteering for organizations such as NFL Fuel Up to Play 60 and Husker Heroes; furthermore he has made numerous hospital visits back home in West Des Moines.

Eli Raridon’s father, Scott, is a former long snapper for Nebraska and an assistant coach at Notre Dame under Lou Holtz. When his son got the chance to play for the Irish, Scott was overjoyed. He believes his son can achieve great things because of his strong morals and ethics in sports. As proud as can be for his son, Scott believes he has what it takes to succeed at any level he chooses in life.