Elijah Riley
Safety / Army
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your overall experience at the 2020 East/West Shrine Bowl?
Elijah Riley: It has been a blast. Getting away from school. It is like a mini vacation. I am playing football. Getting to do what I love. I have been having a great time out here.
Alex Khvatov: How did you wind up at Army?
Elijah Riley: I had a bunch of FCS offers and walk-on spots at FBS schools. Army was my only full scholarship. It honestly provided me with the best opportunity to support myself beyond football.
Alex Khvatov: What is it like to play for a service academy?
Elijah Riley: It is definitely an unorthodox experience. Nothing you would expect a college football experience to be. I am a cadet, just as much as I am a football player.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Elijah Riley: I am a very good vocal leader. I am instinctual. I am always at the right place at the right time. I feel plays out.
Alex Khvatov: I have noticed that you are always around the ball. How do you develop those types of instincts?
Elijah Riley: I have a magnet. I am joking. I see certain reads. The coaches put us in the right place as well. Get myself in the right place, figure things out really quickly and make a play on the ball.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Elijah Riley: The Army vs Navy game is unparallel. It is a phenomenal experience. It is almost indescribable. You get chills coming out of the tunnel and during the game. It is just a blast.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Elijah Riley: I am just trying to be more fluid in certain movements. Making the transition from corner to safety, you have different angles. I am reading different things as well. I am not just playing man coverage most of the time. The transition from corner to safety is going pretty smoothly so far.
Alex Khvatov: What one word best describes you?
Elijah Riley: Charismatic.
