Articles

by Spiro Kasabian @nyspawtsguy_spi

Curtis Riley Forcing Giants Hand

Curtis “Boobie” Riley just keeps working on his NFL craft.  Riley has had to work hard every day of his professional life.  The safety has been competing since 2015 when he was signed by the Tennessee Titans as an Undrafted Free Agent out of Fresno State.  Before he could get his NFL career off the floor, Riley’s first season was cut short due to an ankle injury that landed him on Injured Reserve.  He battled to make it onto the Titans practice squad, and eventually had to make a position change to Safety to keep a roster spot for the Titans last year, his 3rd season in the NFL.

The fight didn’t start in the NFL though.  It started earlier right after high school, when Riley played for two small colleges; Mars Hill College (N.C.) and Fullerton College (C.A.) before making his way to Fresno State.  Riley had enough skills to catch on to an NFL team, but staying was another story.  He was undersized corner that needed to gain weight and move to safety to have a real chance with the Titans or any team. The NFL labeled him as having a slight frame so adding weight and muscle was a necessity.

The New York Giants took a chance on him.  He registered his first career interception last year, and the new look “Big Blueare hoping that they are getting a young man who’s best playing days are ahead of him.

Riley has flashed throughout camp and has shown a knack for being where he needs to be.  With Landon Collins expected to be all over the field, Riley has the job of playing deep and keeping everything in front of him.  His cornerback experience has been very beneficial in regard to what coach Bettcher is asking him to do.

Depth Chart Release:

When the Giants released the first “unofficial” NFL Depth Chart this week there was one huge surprise at Free Safety.  Curtis Riley has impressed James Bettcher enough to garner the first crack at representing the NY Giants at FS.   Having been a part of Dick Lebeau’s blitzing system in Tennessee, Riley has made a smooth transition to Bettcher’s defense.  It also helps that he was reunited with his former DB coach Deshea Townsend.

The thing I love about Riley is he brings his “lunch pail” to work every day, so to speak.  He’s been playing with a ton of passion and showing great on field communication.   Yes, there is a chip on the shoulder of one undersized cornerback from White Plains New York. The safety missed multiple practice with injury but has forced the hand of the Giants earning him a starting spot.  Do not be surprised if you see Curtis Riley starting Week 1 against the Jaguars.