Riley is viewed as not only one of the top cornerbacks in this year’s draft class, but one of its top prospects overall. According to The Athletic, he ranks as the No. 77 prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft, which is set for April 24-26.

While the 6-foot-0, 195-pound corner spent the first three years of his college career at Middle Tennessee State, Riley credits his three years at Louisville as what has prepared him the most for the pre-draft process.

“Everything they do, they try to relate it to being in the pros,” Riley said during his media availability session at the Combine on Thursday. “Every day in the facility, they want to teach you how to be a pro, even at meals. Just learn how to be a pro at meals, talk to people in the community, everything is just pro about that program.”

When head coach Jeff Brohm took over the Louisville football program in 2023, Riley had a breakout season and established himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the ACC. He finished the year with a team-best 12 pass breakups, and was second on the Cardinals in interceptions with three, leading the ACC with 15 pass defenses. He also collected 49 tackles and 1.5 for loss.

Riley gives a lot credit to the Louisville coaching staff for helping mold him into the player he is today, especially cornerbacks coach Steve Ellis.

“(Ellis) taught me a bunch of techniques, … so I feel like I’m already ahead of the curve,” Riley said of his position coach.