National Signing Day has resulted in another reversal for Alabama football. Kevin Riley, a running back for
Tuscaloosa County, committed to the Crimson Tide less than an hour after the team traded for Texas’ Aeryn
Hampton.
Riley had verbally committed to Miami and former UA assistant Mario Cristobal in June, but the Tide and Auburn
showed late interest. Robert Gillespie, the eventual position coach at Alabama, recruited him.
Riley was rated by 247Sports composite as a four-star and the fourth-best running back in the nation. Riley is a top-
100 prospect overall, and Alabama’s 10th pick this cycle is Riley. Ranking 13th among seniors on AL.com’s A-List, he
averaged 6.16 yards per rush while scoring eight touchdowns. Riley missed two games but still managed 888 yards
overall.
Adam Winegarden, the coach of Tuscaloosa County, stated in April that Kevin “can do so many things.” In addition
to all the things he is capable of doing at running back, you may also assign him to safety or slot. If he were to play
consistently and enroll in the correct collegiate program, I believe he has the potential to develop into a fantastic
Division 1 player.
Cooper Petagna, national recruiting analyst for 247Sports, described Riley as an upright inside runner who
demonstrates good patience and vision at the line of scrimmage earlier this year. demonstrates a swift acceleration at
the second level and the ability to shift speeds. He plays best when going downhill with a one-cut attitude. possesses
a physique fit for college and
A year ago, Alabama signed Richard Young and Justice Haynes, two running backs who were ranked in the top ten in
their position. The Crimson Tide now features two senior running backs in Jam Miller and Jake McClellan, but Riley
can fill in as an additional depth option behind the two underclassmen.
Although Alabama has been considering Georgia four-star Jadan Baugh and Mississippi four-star Daniel Hill (who
announced on January 6), Riley is the first running back the team has added this cycle. The deadline for early signing
is this Friday.
Most major evaluation sources rate Alabama football’s class second overall.
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