Riley Ring-Dineen still following his brothers gridiron footsteps

For Riley Ring-Dineen football is literally all about family. The seventeen year old,  soon to be St. John High senior, jumped at the opportunity to play at the age of nine so he could be like his older brother.

By the time Riley hit high school, he’d had five years of gridiron experience with the Fundy Minor football League. This experience presented Greyhound coaches with a player so versatile he was like a human Swiss Army knife. Coaches embraced his experience and began moulding him as a QB his rookie season.

In his junior season, Riley shared reps at quarterback, and when he started to practice part time at half back, he seemed to find his niche.

“I wasn’t the best at QB, but the team needed someone to fill that spot. Playing QB is more of a mind game. Playing defence is different, it’s a lot more aggressive. I like hitting people.”

His propensity for contact aside, the 6 foot, 158 pound defender also had a nose for the ball. While playing three games in grade 10 at HB the former signal caller intercepted 3 passes.  Riley has also been used extensively on all special team units.

In his sophomore season, the Greyhounds had come out slow against the Fredericton Black Cats. In his trademark style, Greyhound head coach, John Grandy, delivered a passionate speech, reminding his players that any pay cheque in life is found under your work boots. Riley took the coaches words to heart, and upon fielding the second half kick off returned it for a touchdown.

Despite his potential to change the course of a game in all phases of play, Riley doesn’t consider himself an impact player.

“I’m a role player; my impact on the team is my ability to do what they need me to do as I’m familiar with a lot of positions. I can make explosive plays, but I’m not the best on the team,” he explained.

Aside from football, Riley is an accomplished rugby player. This past winter he travelled to BC with New Brunswick’s provincial program, placing eighth in a national tournament. He found the transition from football to the rugby pitch a natural transition.

Besides the rigours of rugby training, Riley plans on lifting and staying fit this summer to prepare for his senior season. Looking ahead, the veteran is hoping to meet the reigning Provincial champion Tantramar Titans this season. His sights are set on them, as he points out “they’re the team to beat”.

Beyond next season, Riley is exploring options of Human Kinetic studies, but is hopeful this can happen close to home at the University of NB’s St. John campus.

Aside from his field of study, Riley hopes to study from his home city so he can be close to his family. Studying at UNB will also provide the opportunity for him to play with the schools team, the Sea Wolves. The Wolves play in fiercely competitive Atlantic Football League.

Should this happen Riley will not only potentially play five more years, but it would allow him the chance to play alongside his older brother again,  who has played with the Seal Wolves the past three years.

“I always looked up to my older brother. I started playing football because he did. I always followed his footsteps, with football I just wound up loving it.”

 

Riley Ring-Dineen
Half Back
6′ 158 lbs

Team(s): Fundy Minor Football, St. John Greyhounds
Official Visits: none
Unofficial Visits: none
Consideration: UNB St. John, open
Commitment: none
Class: 2018

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