Kalen DeBoer names Tuscaloosa area native the ‘shiftiest’ running back on roster

Kalen DeBoer feels the Crimson Tide’s redshirt freshman running back, Kevin Riley is one of the most explosive players on the Tide’s roster.

Riley is a product of Tuscaloosa County High School in Northport, Alabama. 

The former four-star only saw action in two games as a true freshman in 2024, carrying the football against Western Kentucky and Mercer. 

DeBoer talked about Riley Tuesday while discussing the Tide’s running back room. 

“Kevin is probably our shiftiest,” DeBoer said. “Kind of the explosive guy on the roster.”

Riley was considered one of the most explosive running backs in the 2024 recruiting class as a prospect. He shined at Tuscaloosa County with his ability to explode through a hole and quickly accelerated as he moved down the field. 

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Justin Smith is the Director of Recruiting for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via @Jdsmith31Smith