Darrell Bridges

2024 Inductee

Darrell Bridges was a three-sport athlete at Ridgeland, but he excelled in football. Darrell made a name for himself as a physical, downhill runner who often punished would-be tacklers. As a junior, Darrell finished with 1249 yards rushing and 8 TDs. However, his senior season would be one for the record books on the road to the state finals, as he staked his claim as the best running back in Ridgeland history. Darrell set the school record for rushing in 2012 with 2340 yards and 39 TDs. He was named all-state, region POY, Walker County Offensive POY, Best of Preps 1st team, and Times Free Press Dynamite Dozen as a Running back.

He would go on to Presbyterian College to make his mark in the collegiate ranks. As a member of the Blue Hose, Darrell led the team in rushing in 2015 and 2016. He became the first 1,000-yard rusher in the school’s Division 1 history when he went for 1065 in 2015, which still tops the record books for most rushing yards in a season at PC. He would be named All-Big South 1st Team. He was named the Big South Running Back of the Year. He set the record for most 100-yard games in a single season. He recorded the most rushing yards against an FCS Nationally Ranked Team when he went for 183 vs. #1 Coastal Carolina. He rushed for 135

setting the mark vs an FBS opponent vs. Miami of Ohio. He led all college football in total carries in 2015 and was 3rd in 2016. Darrell would finish his career at PC as their 2nd all-time rusher with 2819 yards after 3 seasons. Darrell’s final collegiate season saw him transfer back home to UTC and led the Mocs in rushing during 2017.

He served as an assistant coach on the football staff at Ridgeland in 2018 and 2022. He is currently a teacher and a coach at Dorman HS in SC. We are excited to welcome Darrell Bridges to the Ridgeland High School Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2024.