RB four-star gives a brutally honest speech for his decision to move from Miami to Alabama.

admin | December 21, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

It makes perfect sense to me. Four-star running back Kevin Riley saw an early National Signing Day switch from Miami to Alabama as a move to improve his future.

Not that the brilliant Northpoint, Alabama, running back couldn’t have become a star at Miami. After all, he’s the consensus No. 4 player at his position in the country. He has the ability to succeed in any situation.

Having said that, Nick Saban saw a better path to advancement in Alabama’s program. Specifically, the type of running back development that may bring him to the NFL.

Given how much Gibbs profited from his time at Alabama, that’s quite a pitch for a rookie back. He carried 151 times for 926 yards and seven touchdowns in one season with the Tide, while also catching 44 passes for 444 yards and three scores.

He was such a versatile weapon that the Detroit Lions selected him 12th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.

That’s all familiar knowledge for the Tide, but what a blow for Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes to hear. Riley had been signed by Miami since June 2023.

Losing him on signing day is one thing, but hearing that Miami’s player development now does not compare to Alabama’s must be a gut punch. The Hurricanes were formerly known as the program to attend for aspiring NFL players.

All recruitment flips damage the team that was left behind, but this one has to hurt the Hurricanes even more.