Film Don't Lie | Philip Riley
Notre Dame has a huge need at cornerback in this class. And not just for numbers. They need corners who will be able to compete against elite competition considering they are going to face Clemson and Ohio State multiple times over the next few years.
That’s why getting cornerback Philip Riley back in the class is so huge for Notre Dame. He’s a physical corner who has done well competing against elite receivers after moving to Florida from the state of Washington.
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 190
Projected Position: Cornerback (boundary)
ISD Grade: 91 (4-star)
National Average Grade: 90.5 (4-star)
What he does best:
What I love about his game is the way Riley gets into the body of receivers when contesting the football. He plays the ball in the air like a receiver, which he was previously in Washington. He averaged 18.0 yards per reception as a sophomore.
He tracks the ball really well and takes away space from the player he is covering like he did on this interception.
Riley can be physical in press coverage and is physical all-around. Some might think he’s too physical in terms of contact down the field, but this isn’t the NFL. There isn’t a five yard rule in college, which is something Julian Love took full advantage of.
Skill players with a physical edge are rare and Riley is one of them. He shows it playing corner and while playing special teams.
He played a lot of press when he made the move to his Florida high school and did well flipping his hips and running with receivers down the field. He played more off coverage back in Washington and showed good route recognition as well as great compete level finishing through the football.
Riley mirrors well and shows fluidity with his ability to change directions. That’s a necessity to play defensive back at a high level in college football.
He’s a solid tackler and more importantly excels at defeating blocks. Everyone wants complete corners and Riley can be one.
What he needs to improve:
When playing off, his footwork with his transitions needs to improve. He’s not the smoothest athlete compared to some corners and efficiency is going to be important.
He ran well against some top receiver competition, but he does not appear to have high end elite speed. Is he someone who can make a jump like a Love when it comes to overall explosiveness? We’ll see, but Notre Dame’s strength and conditioning program has made an impact in that area in recent years. I thought he did show more twitch during his senior season.
What’s his ceiling?
I think Riley has the potential to be a multi-year starter at boundary corner for the Irish because of his physical style and willingness to tackle. He’s the right size and mentality fit there. I love his compete level and think he can match up well with some of the bigger receivers he’ll have to face.
Is he going to be fast enough to develop into an elite corner in college football and a high NFL Draft pick? I’m not sure, but I think he projects to be a really good football player for the Irish and is a great get a position of need.