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With Sunday’s practice in the books, GoBlackKnights.com caught up with local product and sophomore boundary cornerback Elijah Riley out of Port Jefferson, New York. Of course, this upcoming season, he will find himself as an integral part of the defense that ranked 4th in the entire nation in 2016.

As a freshman last year, Riley finished with a team leading 3 interceptions and was 6th on the team in total tackles with 47, as he saw light in all 13 contest for the Black Knights

Of course, that defense was lead by Co-Captains/Linebackers Andrew King and Jeremy Timpf, along with talented safety Xavier Moss, who are were lost to graduation.

But, if you ask around and especially Riley, despite the experience and talent that the trio brought to the table, this is still a defense that is confident and most followers of the Army Black Knights’ program know that the cupboards are not bare.

“You can’t lose guys like that and it not have any impact, but as you said, we are here to take care of business and it will be business as usual,” stated the 6-foot-0, 205 pounder, who went on to say that for himself, that one year of experience under his belt has boosted confidence.

So, does Riley already sense some level of being an “experience” player coming into summer training camp even though it will just be his sophomore year?

“Yes, last year was a real learning experience for me, learning the playbook and things of that natural,” he stated. “Now I am out here working on things like technique, but just having a lot of fun as well.”

The young but talented corner shared that he can see the difference relative to his mindset now from where he was last year coming into summer camp.

“Again, I am able to perform with more confidence because I am more familiar with the position itself, so that helps out a lot. I’m really coming in ready to play and have fun.”

Riley gives credit surrounding his development, along with group of corners to 2nd year cornerback coach, Josh Christian-Young.

Absolutely, he has helped us improve, “ declared Riley. “He has given us all (corners) something to work on as a group and individually as well and it has helped.”

"We expect him to be a leader of the DBs and become one of the best players on team," added Coach Young.

Of course as a “seasoned” 2nd year player, Riley plans to let the freshmen who will arrive tomorrow, that there’s a huge difference in what they are stepping into versus what they may have been accustomed to playing ball last year.

“This is not like high school, so be ready, it’s a business out here,” shared Riley, as he looks to take on more a leadership role within the defense.

8:30-9:30 (Breakfast)

8:15 (Treatment)

9:00 (Lift)

10:30 (Church)

11:00 (Staff Meeting)

11:30 (ST Meeting)

11:30-12:30 (Lunch)

12:00 (Treatment)

1:15-2:00 (Tape/Dress) HELMETS

2:00-2:45 (Position Meetings) 2:55 (FLEX)

5:30 (Treatment)

6:00-7:00 (Dinner)

6:00 (NC extraction from Camp Buckner)

6:30-7:30 (Evening Study Period) 6:45 (Staff Meeting If Needed)

7:30 (Team Meeting)

8:00 (Position Meetings) 9:00-10:00 (Evening Study Period)

9:45 (Snack)

10:30 (Lights Out)

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