Interview: 2021 Hoover LB Jason Riles is One to Watch Out of Alabama
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
For most people outside of the state of Alabama, when someone says “Hoover High School” the immediate jump is to the Buccaneers football team. The 7A squad has long been respected for their play on the field and the talent that has torn it up against in-state foes and regional programs. One of the Class of 2021 talents keeping the mean streak going at a high level is linebacker Jason Riles. The 6-1.5, 205-pound, defender missed a portion of the 2019 season with an ankle injury, but has showcased enough of his emerging talents for Alabama State, UAB, Jacksonville State, Birmingham Southern, Oberlin College, and Culver Stockton College to show interest.
With a big senior season ahead manning the middle for the Bucs, I sat down for an RNG first-look interview with Riles covering his play on the field and offseason workouts.
Interview
Jason, Hoover High School is well-known for the play on the gridiron. What is the mentality inside the locker room, on the field, and in the weight room that defines the Bucs football team?
“Everything we do is straight to the point, no playing and no games – we are about winning. Even in the locker room, we are straight to the point with no games.”
Playing 7A Alabama football, there are top talents on the opposition’s roster week after week with no games off. What is it like preparing for the season and week to week getting mentally focused to take on four- and three-star recruits?
“We don’t focus on the school we are playing but on our goal. We watch film, but we don’t focus on who we are playing. We prepare hard each week no matter their record; we go out and play our best.”
Taking on all those top talents last season, how did your game improve as a linebacker?
“It improved tremendously. I missed half of the season because of an ankle sprain, but the competition made me better. My biggest improvement was breaking down, making the tackle, and coming off the edge with speed not just using my strength.”
Looks like your defensive coordinator had a lot of creative ways to stop opposing offenses in 2019. What were the defensive fronts the Bucs were running and what were your responsibilities within the scheme?
“We ran a 3-4. I am the Mike; my responsibilities were filling the gaps and sealing off the edge. On the inside gap, it was up to me or the other inside linebacker to make the tackle.”
Was there a challenge you faced on the field last season? If so, how did you overcome that challenge becoming a better player for the experience?
“My challenge was my injury. The ankle sprain, that was hard to come back from going full speed. But once I came back, it got easier. Now I am 100 percent ready.”
Since the season ended, what have you been working on with your game?
“My lateral movement and speed, and being more aggressive on the field with no plays off.”
Are you switching up any of your roles and/or responsibilities during the 2020 season?
“No, I am staying at middle linebacker.”
Most of the gyms and of course the school weight room have been shut down, but did you get a chance to max out this offseason before the quarantine?
“We maxed out back in February; I got 265 on bench, 410 on squat, and my power clean was 260.”
What has been your daily routine this spring to stay in shape?
“Every morning I am running two miles when I get up at 6:00. For the rest of the day, a trainer is working with me on my lateral movement, 5-10-5, and agility.”
Last question for you, my virus buster. What have you been doing for fun during this time?
“Watching TV, training, and focusing on school. I like this time; I am getting my work done early and training; that is what I like to do.”
Jason, I appreciate your time today and wish you continued success with your workouts this spring and summer.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Hoover HS/Riles family; No. 27 Jason Riles (2019)