Crimson Tide Flips TCHS Running Back Kevin Riley On Early Signing Day

NORTHPORT, AL — Christmas came early for Crimson Tide head football coach Nick Saban, who successfully flipped another big-time recruit to come play for Alabama: Tuscaloosa County High star running back Kevin Riley.

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Previously committed to Miami back in June, Riley on Wednesday during an Early National Signing Day event in the TCHS gymnasium officially announced his decision to play for his hometown Crimson Tide.

"It took a lot of hard work to get into this position that I'm in now," Riley said to the packed gym. "So today, I'll be taking my talents to the University of Alabama."

He was joined by TCHS head coach Adam Winegarden, who referred to the occasion as a celebration of Riley, his family, TCHS teachers, coaches, administrators, and everyone else who made it possible for Riley to have success on the field and in the classroom.

"This is not the end, this is the beginning," Winegarden said. "Now it's time to take advantage of an opportunity. ... We're excited for Kevin. I'm excited about his future and excited about what's ahead of him."

Riley will also join fellow Tuscaloosa County native and Brookwood High standout offensive lineman Will Sanders, who signed with the Crimson Tide earlier this year as part of the Class of 2024.

Rated a four-star prospect by 247Sports.com, Riley is considered by the recruiting website to be the No. 4 running back in his class and the 76th-best overall player for the Class of 2024.

"North-south runner that projects as a multi-year starter in a Power Five conference at the next level," 247Sports National Recruiting Analyst Cooper Petagna wrote of Riley. "Excels between the tackles and tends to play his best when playing downhill with a one-cut mentality. Possesses a collegiate-ready frame and should be able to contribute early in a potential change of pace and or special teams role at the collegiate level."

A multi-year starter for Winegarden and the Wildcats, Riley exploded onto the scene as a junior, rushing for over 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns as he helped County High to a 6-4 overall record in 2022.

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