Coach’s take on Miami Hurricanes newest commit Kevin Riley: “He’s an every down back” with Alvin Kamara similarities
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal and his Hurricanes staff made a big splash on the recruiting trail after landing Northport (Al.) Tuscaloosa County four-star prospect Kevin Riley, who many people in Coral Gables believe is the top tailback in his class.
While the 6-foot, 192-pound back may still have some time before he can suit up in the orange and green, his head coach at Tuscaloosa County High School, Adam Winegarden, is glad Riley found a home at the collegiate level sooner rather than later.
“I think anytime that you have a player that makes a commitment, you’re happy that they’re making a decision to fulfill a dream,” Winegarden said. “We’re excited for him and we know he has work to do but I think it was important for him to make a decision and move forward.”
After going from a relatively unknown prospect at the start of the 2024 cycle, the Miami pledge, who is the No. 5 running back in the class and the No. 81 prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking, has cemented himself as one of the best ball carriers in his class after an explosive junior year.
“I think it’s because he’s so versatile and he can do a lot of things,” Winegarden said. “He’s an every-down back. He can play out of the backfield, he can pass pro, and you can put him out at wide receiver. He brings a lot to the table.”
Riley’s closest NFL comparison, according to Winegarden?
New Orleans Saints Pro Bowl running back Alvin Kamara.
“I think Alvin Kamara is an every-down back who can do a lot of things that are similar to Kevin,” Winegarden said. “Kevin can run with speed and power, and he’s a great receiver. He can really just do a lot of things.”
Away from the field, Winegarden says the Hurricanes commit carries the traits of a leader, which will help bring him success throughout his career.
“He’s a great teammate and a very likable kid,” Winegarden said. “He has a great personality and is somebody that is easy to talk to.”
With his senior year ahead and his commitment now in place, Winegarden hopes to see Riley take that next step in his game and elevate himself to a new level as he prepares for what is ahead at Miami.
“I think the sky is the limit for Kevin, and his best is way ahead of him,” Winegarden said. “I think his whole thing is going to be consistency and development. Potential doesn’t really matter, but your patterns in life and how you live determine everything. I think he has grown a lot since he’s been here, but he has a lot of room for growth still.”
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