Gamecocks offer 2024 running back who plays not far from Alabama’s campus 

South Carolina running backs coach Montario Hardesty recently received a phone call from a 7-on-7 coach in Alabama about Class of 2024 running back Kevin Riley of Northport, a small town just outside of Tuscaloosa.

Hardesty followed up on the tip and did his due diligence. He liked what he saw, and Wednesday he offered Riley (6-0, 192). Next step is to get him on campus for a visit.

“Me talking to Coach Mo, we talked about the game dates, and I’m going to be up there soon on a visit,” Riley said. “I’ve got to talk to my mom and discuss some things and see when we’ll be able to come down there.”

The Gamecocks join Arkansas, Penn State and Miami as early Power Five offers for Riley.

“It means a lot to me personally because I’ve been patient and trusting the process since I was a freshman,” Riley said. “Now that it’s actually coming up into something, me getting an offer from South Carolina, it means a lot because I know that they are known for having good running backs. I’m just thankful for the offer.”

Thus far this season, Riley has rushed for 1,126 yards and 9 touchdowns. He said Hardesty reviewed his film and liked what he saw in his running style.

“He said he liked my vision, how I press the holes and get vertical,” Riley said. “He liked that I have quick feet and that I’m a hard runner.”

Living about 20 minutes from the Alabama campus and having gone to several Crimson Tide games over the years, Riley is certainly a fan of the hometown team, and they are showing interest as well. Still, he said he’s taking his time with the process and is by no means locked in to staying home should the Tide offer.

“I’m going to let it play out,” Riley said. “I want to see how many more (offers) I can get. I don’t want to just straight rush into it and regret. I just want to wait it out.”