Over the next several weeks, Gator Country will talk with the members of the 2013 recruiting class. We’re asking each recruit 20 questions in an effort to let the fans get to know a little bit more about each player both on and off the field.
Today we spoke with Antonio Riles.
Riles is a 4-star, strong side defensive end prospect who chose Florida over schools like Alabama, Clemson, Georgia and South Carolina.
At 6’4”, 261 pounds, Riles already has good size at the college level for his position but could outgrow defensive end and wind up playing tackle or a 5-technique when Florida plays a 3-4 defense.
Riles uses his hands well, something you don’t see all the time from high school defensive linemen, and that helps him create separation from offensive linemen. Riles should give the Gators good depth as a freshman and has a high ceiling. He’s is definitely a player to keep an eye on long term.
Q1: What was the craziest or most unique recruiting pitch you heard during the whole recruiting process?
Antonio Riles: I can’t really think of anything. Maybe the coaches’ comparisons of their school to all the other schools. I had some coaches draw me pictures.
Q2: Why did you choose Florida?
AR: It was a really hard decision at first. But after a while I really started to realize that it really was the place to be. Considering the fact I had really good communication with the coaches and just the environment at Florida. It was an easy choice in the end.
Q3: What was your favorite part of the recruiting process.
AR: The first part, when you start getting all of your offers.
Q4: What’s the highlight of your career so far?
AR: Mostly just how closely I’ve grown to my teammates and those relationships.
Q5: Orange or Blue?
AR: Orange.
Q6: Which recruits in the class have you bonded with most?
AR: I’m not sure right now. I’m like the outcast of the group right now. I talk to Joey Ivie every once in a while and I talk to Caleb [Brantley].
Q7: What number are you going to wear next year and is there any significance behind what number you wear?
AR: 45. There’s not really any significance behind it.
Q8: If you could date one celebrity who would it be?
AR: Megan Good.
Q9: Who are your favorite pro sports teams?
AR: The Lakers, Cowboys, Falcons and Hawks.
Q10: Xbox or PlayStation?
AR: PlayStation
Q11: If you won the lottery what would be the first thing that you would buy?
AR: A house for my mom, then probably a whole bunch of sneakers.
Q12: What’s on your iPod before a game?
AR: Meek Mill, Kendrick Lamar and ASAP Rocky.
Q13: Who’s your favorite current NFL player?
AR: Demarcus Ware.
Q14: LeBron or Kobe.
AR: Kobe.
Q15: Who’s your favorite former Gator player and why?
AR: [Brandon] Spikes. He was a monster. I like how good the defense was when he was there and the impact he made on the defense.
Q16: What sport would you play if you couldn’t play football?
AR: Baseball or basketball. Baseball runs in my family but I’ve never played it. I should have tried.
Q17: What’s your favorite TV show?
AR: The Regular Show on Cartoon Network, or Guy Code on MTV.
Q18: What is your favorite sports movie and non-sports movie?
AR: Friday Night Lights, of course, and Don’t Be a Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood.
Q19: Do you have any pre-game rituals?
AR: I don’t really have any pre-game rituals.
Q20: What is one thing about you that most Gator fans don’t know?
AR: I guess that I’m an outgoing person. Once I get to know people I’m sort of a comedian.