Name: Antonio Riles
Height: 6-4
Weight: 287
Position: DL
Why did he redshirt?
As a recruit, Riles was a bit of a tweener; too small to play inside but lacking the skill set to play a true defensive end at the college level. He needed the time to gain weight, size and strength to really evolve into a defensive tackle capable of playing in the SEC.
Depth at the position
Riles has put on almost 30 pounds since arriving at Florida so the move inside is obvious. Because the Gators give multiple fronts on defense, Riles could play the 5-technique in a 3-4 as well as a 2 or 3-technique when Florida moves into a 4-3 alignment.
Leon Orr projects more as a true nose tackle but can play defensive tackle as well in the 4-3 schemes. The same can be said for Darious Cummings and Caleb Brantley and Jay-nard Bostwick. That’s a lot of youth along the interior line but also a lot of opportunity for Riles and the rest of the big men in the middle.
Player Evaluation
Riles is a strong player who uses his powerful lower body well. He lacked the speed and initial burst off of the line that you want to see in an end but with a transition inside that is mostly moot. He’s quick enough and uses his hands well.
Riles plays with a high motor but will need to get comfortable inside and continue improving before he’s a viable starting option.
2014 Prognosis
I think he may need another season before he’s ready to be a regular contributor for the Gators. Riles could be a good player for the Gators down the line but right now there are better options ahead of him on the depth chart.