K/P Riley ready to spearhead career (VIDEO)

Couple of OUA schools reach out to Spears standout 

There is nothing quite like watching a football fly through the uprights and kicker Hayden Riley of the Niagara Spears (Ontario Varsity Football League) is ready to send as many pigskins soaring through the air as he can with a university team.

Hayden Riley

Positions:
Kicker/Punter, Receiver

Height/Weight:
6’5, 210lbs

Teams:
Niagara Spears (junior varsity: OVFL)
Thorold Warriors (house league: NRMFA)

Commitment:
None

Official Visits:
None

Consideration:
McMaster, Guelph, Open

Class:
2017

Riley’s career is six years in the making. He started playing football in grade five with the Thorold Warriors (Niagara Region Minor Football) and after two years, he decided to give the OFVL a go. In his four OFVL seasons, Riley has won three OVFL all-star awards, one as a receiver and two as a kicker.

Although Riley has some offensive prowess, the young all-star is hoping to make either a CIS or division one NCAA school for kicking. Riley has already spent some time kicking south of the border at the Kohls Kicking Camp and he is set to attend other camps this year.

“I would love to go to a division one school in the States,” says Riley.  “That has really been my motivation throughout my kicking career.”

In order to attract the attention of American coaches, the young kicker has been working on building up and improving his leg strength. This season, his goal is to work on his consistency with the drops on his punts and on kicking off the ground rather than off a block.

Last season, Riley was able to put his talents on display when he sunk a 45 yard field goal to put his team ahead late in the game. It was the longest of his kicking career.

“It’s always great to be able to put your team ahead with a field goal,” says Riley.

Riley credits his offensive coach, Steve Patrick, for helping him throughout his football career.

“He was always there when I needed help and that’s why he is very influential in not only my football career but also my life,” Riley adds.

However, Riley says the most influential people in his life is his parents.

“They have got me to where I am today and made me the person I am on and off the field,” Riley says.

The kicker would like to become a physical education teacher because he loves playing sports and interacting with kids. He has so far been in contact with Guelph and McMaster, as well he has talked to some coaches from United States colleges.

“I am open to any visits I receive,” says Riley.  “It would be an honour to be able to visit any CIS school.”

Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.

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