BREAKING | 2021 Four-Star CB Philip Riley Commits to Notre Dame
Notre Dame has landed a vital prospect from the Sunshine State as 2021 Bloomingdale (Fla.) cornerback Philip Riley has committed to the Fighting Irish.
The Irish staff offered the four-star prospect at the end of March and quickly went to work.
New cornerbacks coach Mike Mickens led this recruitment and the two have developed a special relationship.
"I've gotten to know him on a deeper level and some personal things in his life," Riley told Irish Sports Daily. "I've gotten to know his wife and his daughter. We're still working to build the relationship even more than that."
Mickens played for Notre Dame football coach Brian Kelly at Cincinnati and has a unique perspective, which allowed Riley to be comfortable in making a commitment.
"It's amazing because he played for Coach Kelly at Cincinnati," said Riley. "He already knows how Coach Kelly is and the way he coaches and runs the program."
Kelly also was a significant piece to landing Riley's commitment as he had a long Zoom call with the 6-foot-1, 190-pounder and his family last week.
"I love Coach Kelly," explained Riley. "I love his energy. He was telling us about the program and what he's done with the program, but also what the program can do for me after and during football."
Kelly's message hit home with Riley as the Florida native will head to South Bend.
"He told me what he, Coach Lea and Coach Mickens expect out of the whole program and the players that go in there," said Riley. "He explained the type of players they recruit have the same mindset."