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Former LSU LB Perry Riley excels in first game with Oakland Raiders
By Adam Spencer
Published:
Former LSU LB Perry Riley Jr. was signed off the street by the Oakland Raiders last week and was quickly inserted into the starting lineup of a team desperate for linebackers.
What did the former Tiger do in his first game with his new team? Lead the way with a team-high seven tackles in a win over the San Diego Chargers, of course.
Raiders defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. told ESPN Riley was clearly prepared for NFL action after he was released by the Washington Redskins in August:
“He wasn’t at home watching soap operas,” Raiders defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. said of Riley staying ready. “He was in his books. He was watching football. He stayed sharp. So by the time it was time for him to have an opportunity, he was ready, and it showed in his play and it shows.
“He’s a true veteran.”
Riley isn’t only winning over the coaching staff. His teammates are quick to sing his praises, too:
“He’s a helluva player,” said Raiders outside linebacker Bruce Irvin, a childhood friend of Riley. “I knew when we got him what he was going to bring to the table — a tough, hard-nosed competitive guy who makes plays. And he showed that on the first possession.”
Riley was a fourth-round pick of the Washington Redskins in the 2010 NFL Draft.
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
