Louisville commit open to exploration
Marcus Riley’s commitment to Louisville isn’t particularly old but the class-of-2018 prospect is already keeping his ear to the ground. He knows he feels comfortable with the Cardinals staff, sure, but he also knows Signing Day 2018 is more than a year away.
To him, it’s prudent to browse around. Offseason visits? Riley has some in mind.
“I want to check out Florida State, Florida, USF and UCF,” Riley said. “Those and some other schools like that. I don’t have dates yet.”
Despite his planned look around, Riley’s commitment to Louisville can still be categorized as “strong.” In recruiting, sometimes visits are just visits. It’s too soon to tell what may take place when more offers arrive and pressure mounts. For now, however, the Tallahassee (Fla.) Rickards High School standout is happy with his place on the Cardinals’ commitment list.
“The commitment was all about the connection I have with Coach Kolby [Smith],” Riley said. “The way we talk and click. It feels right with Louisville. “
Riley plays slot receiver and cornerback for Rickards, which won a state playoff game on the final play of regulation on Friday. As a junior, he’s one of the team’s top playmakers, but his versatility has created uncertainty on the college level. Which position he’ll play when he arrives on campus at Louisville remains up for discussion.
“They aren’t even sure on a position yet,” Riley said on Friday. “They said either DB or receiver. They want me to get out there and see what happens.”
IN HIS WORDS: “First, they wanted to redshirt me. Then, they said the way I’m playing now, I can come in and play without redshirting. I showed them some stuff, I guess.”
RIVALS REACTION: Riley seems at peace with his commitment, but scholarship offers from some of in-state powers could change that. Please as he is with Louisville, Florida State, Miami and Florida have proven to be difficult for an in-state prospect to turn away. It’s too early to project the twists and turns of Riley’s recruitment as there are almost certainly more offers to come.