In-state 2024 RB Kevin Riley opens up about Alabama
Last December, Alabama signed two of the top four running backs in the 2023 cycle in Justice Haynes and Richard Young. In the 2024 class, the program has positioned themselves well for some of their top targets, one of those being Kevin Riley.
The Tuscaloosa County product says Bama is one of his top contenders, and plans to officially visit the school this fall.
“Bama, they win a lot,” Riley recently told BamaOnLine. “I want to find a school that has a lot of support. Bama, their fan base and the support system they have in Tuscaloosa and on campus is amazing. I like the support they give and the people help you a lot when needed.”
Being a hometown recruit, Riley visited Alabama multiple times during spring practice. The No. 5 running back in the 2024 cycle relished the opportunity to watch position coach Robert Gillespie and his players go to work.
“Watching them practice, it’s amazing,” Riley said. “Watching the players compete and watching the attitude of them and the coaches, it feels good. It gets your adrenaline pumping. Seeing Coach G do work on the field, it was fun to watch.”
Alabama’s running back room features talent from top to bottom. Their history with developing players at the position during Nick Saban‘s tenure has caught Riley’s eye.
“One of my favorite running backs is Josh Jacobs,” Riley said. “I also like Jahmyr Gibbs a lot. A lot of people compare our style of play when they watch my film. I watch Jahmyr Gibbs and look up to him, also.
“Talking about the running back room at Alabama is a big thing because they’re known for producing good running backs and getting running backs to the draft,” Riley continued. “Looking at running backs at Bama, that’s a pretty good thing.”
Nick Saban has tabbed Kevin Riley as a priority for Alabama
We asked Riley to discuss which coaches he’s developed the best relationship with thus far. In his response, he cited both Gillespie and Auburn’s Cadillac Williams, while also mentioning Miami’s staff as a whole.
Gillespie has done an excellent job of checking on him outside of football and keeping consistent contact.
“Coach G, I think he’s an amazing person,” said Riley, who says Gillespie is the primary coach from Bama he speaks with. “He’s one of the guys that’ll support you no matter what. He’ll call and check on me to make sure I’m doing good in school. We’ve got a real good relationship.”
In the spring, Saban told Riley that he’s a priority for Alabama’s team and that they’re going to continue to recruit him hard. The 6-foot, 192-pounder appreciates Saban’s guidance both on and off the field.
“Coach Saban is a really good coach. He’s been a great coach over the years,” Riley said. “He took Bama to the title game multiple times. He’s always winning. I think Coach Saban can teach you a lot more other than winning. He talks about discipline, talks about being on time, and talks about other responsibilities that an athlete is supposed to have instead of just the ability to play football.
“He shows and teaches you how to react and respond off the field, also. That’s what I like and respect about Coach Saban,” Riley added.
In evaluating Riley’s recruitment, it’s hard not to overlook his Tuscaloosa ties.
In his opinion, however, does the top-80 overall rising senior feel any pressure to stay in T-Town at the next level?
“No sir,” Riley replied. “I’m open to anywhere. Bama is a great place to go to school at, especially if you want to win. They’re known for winning. I look at other things outside of football, like education, support outside of school, and life after football.”
Overview of Riley’s recruitment, what he’s looking for
This past weekend, Riley ventured out to the University of Miami for an official visit with the Hurricanes. He’s planning to officially visit Georgia this upcoming weekend. Alabama, Auburn, and USC will also receive officials from Riley.
A decision time frame was not mentioned, but Riley opened up about what factors he’s considering the most in this process.
“The No. 1 thing I’m looking for in a school are the academics and the education,” Riley said. “Really, just being around a group of people that will support me in my three-to-four years at college, no matter if it’s schoolwork or at-home things. A group that will support me and be with me the whole way.”
At this time, Alabama (30.5 percent) holds the edge for Kevin Riley on the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.
Alabama fans, also be sure to join the discussion about Kevin Riley on the The BOL Round Table. There’s always a lot of great team, recruiting, and off-topic conversations going on. So, we look forward to talking with you all there!
The post In-state 2024 RB Kevin Riley opens up about Alabama appeared first on On3.
