BY RYAN WALLACE
MANHATTAN, Kan. (247sports.com) – Another one of last weekend’s visitors has now made the decision to call Manhattan home next season, as Ball State transfer Jordan Riley has committed to join the Wildcats in 2024.
A day after K-State landed Austin Peay defensive lineman Travis Bates, Riley announced his choice on Tuesday morning to give Joe Klanderman a needed veteran for his room. Riley reported other Big 12 offers from both Cincinnati and Houston before selecting the Wildcats.
Listed at 6-feet-1, 190 pounds, the Washington D.C. native brings 37 games worth of experience (including opponents such as Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee) to K-State over three seasons spent in the MAC. Over his career he’s amassed 167 tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack, 20 pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. After playing immediately in every game as a freshman, Riley’s 2022 season began a streak of 25 straight starts that carried through 2023.
Named to the All-MAC Third Team as a sophomore, Riley has predominantly lined up in the slot or box as a safety for the Cardinals, likely leading to him being able to handle strong safety or jack safety duties with the Wildcats. PFF graded his most recent campaign at Ball State with a 53.4 score, as Riley has allowed 87 catches (11.75 Y/REC) on 136 targets (63.9%) while in coverage over the past two seasons.
The departure of Kobe Savage left a big need for Chris Klieman to fill quickly and Riley accomplishes that in the physical capacity. Now he’ll compete for the opportunity to start alongside a youthful cast that includes returning starters VJ Payne and Marques Sigle, plus upstarts like Jack Fabris, Wesley Fair and Kam Sallis. Riley still carries an available redshirt and is believed to hold one season of eligibility left to utilize.
