Riley Hopes To Break Out

For C.J. Riley the feeling of normalcy did not happen right away when he returned to the football field.

His college career did not get off to an auspicious beginning. An ACL injury shelved him before he could start. Riley is now starting to settle in.

“I came back in the spring and I thought I would get the feeling but I really didn’t get that feeling,” Riley said of his return to the practice field. “I was a little hesitant when I first got back out here...but it took me to day two or day three before I finally felt like I am good and I can do this again. Then I felt really good.”

Riley did not get the benefit of showing his capabilities on the field in 2016 like his teammate Kelvin Harmon -- who posted one of the better freshman campaigns in NC State history.

That does not mean that he wasted a year of his life by simply watching.

The injury last season was a learning experience for Riley and he studied often.

“Coming in as a freshman everyone wants to play but when I had the injury I had to really sit back and think about what happened, why this happened,” Riley said “It was all for a reason. I got to sit back, watch everybody play and learn from the older guys about how everything goes. I got smarter with the playbook and my football I.Q. grew.

“I think I used every minute to my advantage. Right now I feel good out here. I know the playbook. I am not hesitant for anything.”

His position coach is proud of how he handled the adversity.

“It is not a mental thing in terms of learning the offense it is more of a physical thing in terms of college football,” NC State wide receivers coach George McDonald said of Riley’s current point in development. “He gained weight and has developed his body. 

“Now it is just a matter of getting used to practicing. High school practices are different from college practices. Unfortunately this is the only time he has really practiced in two years.”

Despite not being able to bond on the field with his teammates in 2016, Riley did form friendships off the field.

During his time away from the game, members of the team made sure to remind him that they had his back and that has provided him with extra motivation.

“Ever since I got here, even when I was hurt, they have all bonded with me,” Riley said. “Through the injury they told me to stay positive. Now that I am back I feel even more loyal to them.”

McDonald thinks Riley is well on his way.

“He is doing good,” McDonald said. “He is just like a freshman. He is a redshirt but this is the first time he has played football in about two years so he is just getting back into the groove and being physical. College practices are all new to him. He is getting better everyday.”

NC State is projected to have many offensive weapons in 2017. Riley sees this as a benefit.

Essentially, every receiver is the number one target on a pass play because all of them are subject to get the ball and then do something special with it.

“It doesn’t matter who is on the field,” Riley said. “At any time I can have confidence in my team that we are make plays. Whoever gets the ball I just know they are going to make plays.

“Our expectations are we are just going to dominate, make plays downfield, execute, block to our best ability. We are just going to have fun this year and make plays.”

Riley’s college debut has been delayed but is now set for September 2nd versus South Carolina in Charlotte. The thought of taking the field as a member of the Wolfpack races through his mind often.

“I think about it everyday,” Riley said. “I am just anxious to get back out there and compete at the college level. When the day comes, the days comes. You just attack today.”