Record-setting quarterback Scott Riddle '11 was honored in Sept. 10 pre-game ceremonies.
The all-time leading passer in Southern Conference history, former Elon quarterback Scott Riddle, was celebrated with the retirement of his No. 16 jersey prior to Elon’s contest against the Concord Mountain Lions.
“Scott had a tremendous career on the football field and made a lasting imprint on the Elon football program, the university and the surrounding community in his four seasons in the maroon and gold,” said Director of Athletics Dave Blank. “The retirement of a jersey is something that we do not take lightly at Elon as it is one of the highest honors that any athlete could receive. Scott is just the seventh Elon student-athlete in any sport to have his jersey retired. We are very excited and proud to announce the retirement of Scott Riddle’s No. 16 jersey.”
Riddle is the fifth football player in the history of the Elon program to have his jersey retired. He joins wide receiver Terrell Hudgins (No. 19), running back Willie Tart (No. 25), running back Bobby Hedrick (No. 44) and tight end Richard McGeorge (No. 85).
“This honor means a great deal to me,” said Riddle. “With the long tradition of football, 90 years now, at Elon, being able to be one of the five so far to have their jersey retired is very special. I am honored to have had the opportunity to play at Elon. Without the people that I’ve had the chance to play with, this would never have been possible.”
Riddle, a member of the Phoenix football team from 2007-10, graduated as the holder of 41 NCAA, Southern Conference or Elon records. His 13,264 passing yards are the most ever by a SoCon quarterback and the fifth-highest total ever amassed by a quarterback at the Football Championship Subdivision level. Riddle is the only quarterback in the history of the SoCon to lead the league in passing for four consecutive seasons.
As a freshman, Riddle collected National Freshman of the Year honors from both College Sporting News and CollegeSportsReport.com while also earning the league’s freshman of the year from both the coaches and media. That season, Riddle passed for a SoCon-record 3,817 yards and 31 touchdowns.
Over the course of his career with the Phoenix, Riddle posted three 400-plus yard passing games, including a SoCon-record 534-yard performance at Furman in 2007. Among the other league records the strong-armed Riddle holds are most completions in a season (346 in 2007), most consecutive games with a touchdown pass (22) and most consecutive pass attempts without an interception (218).