Notre Dame football: Philip Riley should make an instant impact in 2021

The Notre Dame football program locked in on cornerback Philip Riley early, as he committed to the school way back in May of 2020. However, after a roller coaster of a recruitment process, one that saw him de-commit from Notre Dame for USC, only to de-commit from USC to come to Notre Dame, Riley is officially in the fold in South Bend.

In fact, Riley was one of 14 players to enroll early at the school, getting a jump on his academic and athletic career with the Notre Dame football program. A four-star recruit from Florida, Riley is coming into a perfect situation with the Irish, as there is a major need at cornerback, and he will have a legitimate opportunity to start as a freshman.

Notre Dame football bolstered the secondary in 2021

Looking at this 2021 Notre Dame football recruiting class, there are some big names that really jump out at you. Offensive linemen Blake Fisher and Rocco Spindler will likely get a chance to start right away, as the team is losing four-fifths of their starting line from last year, making it a huge question mark heading into this season.

In the secondary, Nick McCloud will need to be replaced, though a tremendous player returns in Clarence Lewis. Lewis dominated as a true freshman this past season, something the coaching staff is hoping guys like Riley, Ryan Barnes, and Chance Tucker can do in 2021.

Riley, despite his frame, is a pretty physical cornerback, and someone who just does not get beat in man coverage. In addition, he is solid when it comes to zone coverages, and plays with a very high football IQ, as he is seemingly never out of place no matter the scheme.

It may have taken a bit for Riley to actually commit permanently to the Irish, but this coaching staff has to be ecstatic that he did. The Irish are reloading at a number of different position groups this offseason, and cornerback, led by Riley is definitely one of them.