Riley’s Life Takes Another Turn 1995 Recruit Finally Joins Cougs After Detours Lead Through Jc, Memphis

Washington State’s defensive secondary received a welcome boost Friday when junior-college transfer Earl Riley was cleared to join the Cougars for two-a-day football practices.

Riley’s grades were posted late at Merced (Calif.) Junior College. Matters were complicated when his transcript ended up in Memphis, Tenn.

“We were supposed to receive it yesterday by FedEx,” Riley said, “but we didn’t, so we tracked it down with the air-mail number and found out it was in Memphis.

“How it got there, I don’t know. I mean, everything that could go wrong, did. But everything happens for a reason.”

Waiting is nothing new for Riley. Riley signed with WSU out of high school in 1995 - as a linebacker. He didn’t qualify academically, went to junior college and ended up making the all-Central Valley first team - as a cornerback.

He’ll play either free safety or left cornerback at WSU, a determination that may not be made for several days. At this point, it seems doubtful that he would start, especially at free safety, where senior Ray Jackson has virtually secured a starting position.

After watching practices for the last week and being unable to participate in meetings, Riley debuted Friday afternoon and played corner exclusively.

“He’s fast for how big he is,” Jackson observed. “I think they’re going to have Earl play corner - it’s a little bit easier to figure out (for a newcomer).”

Riley intercepted one pass and deflected a couple more, but it was evident he’ll need time to learn the system.

“Earl’s so far behind it’s going to be difficult for him,” defensive coordinator Bill Doba said. “We’d like to try him at free safety, but there’s a lot more to learn.”

Notes

Sophomore defensive end Eboni Wilson will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee this morning after suffering an injury Thursday. Wilson most likely has a torn meniscus, trainer Mark Smaha said. Wilson could miss one week to one month, providing surgery doesn’t reveal more extensive damage… . Starting right corner Dee Moronkola missed part of Friday with a sprained ankle, but hopes to play in this morning’s 9 a.m. scrimmage… . Defensive tackle Gary Holmes returned to practice and did not appear bothered by his chronically sore back… . Sophomore Rob Meier, listed as a defensive end, has worked his way into the rotation at tackle.

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