Riley Leake

Accomplishments & Impact
What would you say is your biggest accomplishment in your athletic career so far, and what did it take for you to achieve it?

Making All-Conference in Football and Wrestling this past season. Also, becoming achieving All-American status at the Ohio Tournament of Champions (wrestling). Hard work, persistence, belief in myself and my coaching staff. Also, my parents love and support.

Role & Identity as a Player
How would you describe your playing style, and what separates you from other athletes in your sport and your position?

I have been told I am very aggressive and play old school football. I want every block to be a pancake block.

Development Curve
What is one area of your game you’ve significantly improved over the past year, and how did you develop it?

Last year I broke into the varsity lineup as a guard, but due to injury I was asked to play center.  I haven’t played center since I was 13 (now 16) and that was only for one package. So, once the change was made the QBs did not want me to switch back.  So, I worked hard at perfecting the shotgun snap and even learned to do it with both hands if needed in a pinch.  Other than that, footwork and the weight room are some other things I focused the most on.

Adversity & Resilience
Tell us about a challenge or setback you’ve faced in your career. How did you respond, and what did you learn from it?

This year, I started at a new school. It’s not football related, but I was not the starter on the wrestling team as I had been at my old school as a freshman.  It was difficult to watch the other heavyweight get all the matches, and I just wrestled on weekends in tournaments.  I kept practicing, kept training, and the starter was injured late in the season.  I had to fill in for a few weeks and ended up winning the conference championship tournament in his absence. I learned that it wasn’t quite my time, but when my number was called I was prepared and able to execute.

Training & Preparation
What does your current training routine look like, and how are you preparing specifically for the May 30th combine?

Currently I lift weights 5 days a week, attend spring football workouts, attend wrestling practice after spring workouts 2 days a week, meal prep to make sure I consume 4000-4500 calories a day. For the upcoming combine I am working with my offensive line coach to work on things he feels may be presented at the combine.

Short-Term Goals (Combine Focus)
What are your specific goals and expectations heading into this combine? 

I would like to learn as much as possible, showcase my skillset, and potentially meet and speak with college coaches.  My dream is to play NCAA Division I football, and the camps are certainly the start of that process.

Long-Term Vision
Where do you see your career going over the next 2–3 years, and what steps are you taking to get there?

In the next 2-3 years I see myself playing college football.  Honestly, DI is the dream, but I would gladly play at a lower division if needed just for the opportunity to play college football.  I train daily, make sure my nutrition goals are met, and I am working hard in the classroom to maintain my GPA so I am eligible to receive scholarships and gain eligibility to the NCAA.

Football IQ & Leadership
How do you contribute to your team beyond your physical performance—whether that’s leadership, communication, or understanding the game?

I was named as one of the Captains for our spring and summer workouts.  My job is to communicate with my group and make sure they are doing what they are supposed to in the classroom and making sure they are getting to workouts.  Also, as the center it is my responsibility to communicate in real time with the other linemen when we are running plays.

Recruiting & Exposure
What are you hoping coaches and scouts take away from your performance at the combine?

I know there will be several great athletes at the combine.  I hope my performance highlights the hard work I have been putting in and that overall I have a great day competing with the best of the best. If I am successful at that, then hopefully that will get the coaches excited about what I can bring to their programs.

Motivation & Mindset
What drives you to keep pushing and competing at a high level, especially when no one is watching?

My desire is to play college football.  I know everyone says they want to play in the NFL, but that is the end goal.  I know I have a long way to go, but that’s what keeps me motivated.  When the workouts are tough, practice is hard, or days I just don’t feel like being out there, I think about all the time, effort and money that my parents have put into my athletics and that’s what keeps me going, all because I have a dream.  Their unwavering support is what keeps me going.