Interview: Offers Coming in Hot for 3-Star 2023 California WR Malachi Riley
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The camp season has been a flurry of activity for three-star Class of 2023 receiver Malachi Riley. Teams in need of a 6-2, 170-pound, target that catches everything thrown his way within the same zip code are dropping offers left and right. The Centennial High School talent has camped with Rivals and Under Armour while appearing at three college camps; two at Redlands and one with UNLV, where he landed a scholarship with the Rebels.
Visits to USC and Colorado, among others, are on the schedule with the potential for two more college camp showcase opportunities.
In an RNG catch-up interview, Riley sat down for an in-depth conversation covering his offseason workouts and fast-expanding recruiting options.
Interview
Malachi, I’ve been able to watch your club ball film and I got to see you at Sofi Stadium over the weekend; your hands are pretty ridiculous. What training exercises do you do to improve your hand grip and receiving skills?
(Laughs) At home I have a bowl full of rice, I work my hands through that. I am on the JUGG machine, toss the ball up in the air, and do hand stretches to make my web bigger.
Watching your film, you are using different releases to get off the line; how many releases do you have?
A ton. I work on that with Steve Calhoun. With my releases, it all depends on inside heavy or outside heavy from the defense and if someone is over the top. It all depends on the DB and what is working for me. I can’t put a number on it with all my releases.
Which routes will you be running in the Huskies’ offense this fall?
I know we run slants and quick game stuff, that opens up to posts and streaks. We run hitches, bang-8s, and slants.
What are you doing to develop chemistry with the quarterbacks on the roster this offseason?
That’s crazy, I am with my QB Israel Carter right now. My receiver coach is his QB coach. We workout at the same place. We’ve known each other since kids. It is already there.
How are you pushing your athletic skills and speed to that next level?
What I have noticed as a taller receiver, it is all about the footwork. I am taking the ladder seriously for speed and footwork. I am working on getting in and out of my breaks, staying over my toes, and a lot of footwork drills. The ladder drill is my best friend. I am getting more explosive and cutting on a dime to get to that next level.
Which 7v7 team are you playing with this offseason?
ProWay with Coach Holmes.
How is the 7v7 season going?
We’ve been to a couple tournaments in LA, but because of the virus, we haven’t done a lot. My third tournament was at Sofi (Stadium) this weekend.
Have you been to any national camps this spring or summer?
Yes, I went to an Under Armour and Rivals camp. Hopefully I will be going to The Opening Finals soon.
How did the Rivals camp go?
It was good. I got separation on all my routes. It is up to the QB to deliver the ball, but I did well. I made it into the Top 3 of all the receivers. They called me in for the best receivers verses the best defensive backs.
Nice. With the camps attended, have you posted a 40-yard time?
I’m not sure what my 40 time is yet. Guessing it is around a 4.4; I will run one soon. I think I will get a 4.4 for sure.
Have you been to any college camps this summer?
Yes, I have been to two Redlands and on Sunday I went to an UNLV camp.
Tell me about the UNLV camp performance.
It went well. I had a great day. It was fun. That is where I am from, it was good to be back home. I received an offer from UNLV at the camp. It was a good day. I got to meet the new receivers’ coach.
Sounds like a great day. Do you have any more college camps coming up?
Yes, I am going to a Fresno camp on Thursday. Washington wants me to come out on the 26th to one of their camps.
Very cool. With all that you have going on, which programs are showing recruiting interest but have not offered yet?
Notre Dame, their receivers’ coach is showing a lot of love, heavy love. Washington is showing interest too.
Where is the offer total at now?
I have 11.
Which programs were the last couple to offer?
UNLV, Georgia was last week, Oregon State, and Arizona.
Riley’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Arizona State, BYU, Colorado, Georgia, Kansas, Michigan State, Nevada, Oregon, Oregon State, and UNLV
Are you taking any unofficial visits this summer?
Yes, I am going to Colorado on the 21st, USC tomorrow, and I am trying to go to Georgia and Ole Miss. I am also supposed to go to Oregon in July.
Malachi, it was great seeing you in action on Sunday and fun catching up with you today. Wishing you success with the remaining camps and upcoming visits.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Riley family; Malachi Riley