Interview: 4-Star 2022 Alabama OL/ATH Riley Quick Updates Workouts and Recruiting Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Writers covering football at any level do not typically get to put the “athlete” label on an offensive lineman, but Riley Quick is breaking the mold. The 6-5, 250-pound, Hewitt-Trussville High School standout is an absolute beast at left tackle for the Huskies and an intimidating force on the diamond coming off the rubber. Quick is a four-star recruit on the gridiron with 11 offers in-hand and a rising prospect in baseball with a fastball that hits 93 on the gun. As a lineman, Quick seemingly does everything right, stays low, stays square, keeps his hands inside, has quick feet, and uses strength and leverage to end plays. With three pitches and serious heat coming behind it, it is hard for any high school batter to catch up to Quick in the box. Whatever path Quick may go, his future promises to be bright.
In an RNG first-look, Quick catches me up on his talents on the gridiron and the field with an overview on his recruiting process.
Interview
Riley, you were a punisher last season playing left tackle for the Huskies. When the season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game as a run and pass blocker?
“I felt like I am really aggressive, I try to have good technique, and good hands.”
As eluded to in the last question, you like to put defenders on their backside getting your hands inside and using leverage. But there is a mentality that comes with that type of play. What gets you fired up on the field come game time?
“Knowing that we are about to go out there and give 100 percent beating the team across from us.”
Did you happen to track pancakes and knockdowns last season?
“No, sir.”
If you had to guess, about how many per game were you getting?
“Probably five or six.”
The other side of the ball got you for a few snap last season, will we see more of you playing defense in 2020?
“I think it will be like last year, a lot of offense but some defense too.”
That opportunity to go both ways, how has that helped your understanding of the game as an offensive lineman?
“On the defensive line, it is harder to play, because the offensive linemen know the play and how to block it. As a defensive lineman, you have to read. I think it is easier playing on the offensive line. Playing defense helps me understand how defensive linemen attack. If in a practice or during a game, if I see him slanted, I know he is shooting the inside gap.”
Since the season ended, what have you been working on as an offensive lineman?
“This offseason I have been working on quicker feet, my pass and run block technique.”
What has been your workout routine this spring?
“When my brother (OL Pierce Quick – redshirt freshman) came home from Tuscaloosa, we have been working out four times a week and we get some running in. Monday through Thursday, we are working out and then we take the weekend off. We have done that for two or three months straight.”
As a four-star, you have the attention of a lot of college coaches. Which programs are showing interest?
“Alabama, Auburn, and Ole Miss are showing a lot of interest.”
How many offers have been dropped?
“Eleven.”
*Toledo (12) offered after this interview was conducted
Which programs were the last couple to offer?
“The last three to offer were Mississippi State, Nebraska, and LSU.”
Quick’s Offer Sheet: Alabama, Alabama-Birmingham, Georgia Tech, Jacksonville State, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi State, Missouri, Nebraska, Tennessee, Tennessee Tech, and Toledo
Nice. Going back to last season, which programs have you visited thus far?
“I went to Alabama on a lot of weekends for visits, Georgia Tech, and Tennessee too.”
How have the Alabama visits gone for you overall?
“They have been good. I talk to the coaches, and they wonder about my weight and height.”
And the Georgia Tech visit, how did that turn out?
“That visit went really-really good. I like Coach (Brent) Key (OL) a lot.”
This summer or this fall, whenever visits are allowed to happen again, are there any planned trips ahead?
“Yes, I plan on visiting Mississippi State, LSU, Tennessee, Georgia Tech for sure, and possibly Alabama.”
From my research, I know you play another varsity sport for the Huskies, which one?
“Baseball
Which position do you play?
“I am a pitcher.”
What are you throwing?
“A four-seam, slider and a change-up.”
On the gun, what is your fastball hitting?
“Two days ago I topped out at 93 mph.”
Given your size and that heat, very intimidating for a batter. Are you getting any looks in baseball?
“Yes, sir. Mississippi State, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia Tech, LSU, and Missouri are showing interest.”
Last question for you. There is an old saying, “distance makes the heart grow fonder.” How has time away from working on your game as a football player to the level before the quarantine helped grow your passion for the game?
“I think it made it grow a lot. I realized how much I need it; I have been bored. I am the kind of person that if I am not doing something, I get bored. So glad it is coming back. During this time, I have learned to not take football or baseball for granted.”
Riley, thanks for your time today and good luck with your workouts this summer until we talk again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Hewitt-Trussville HS/Quick family; No. 72 Riley Quick