Westlake Village (Calif.) Oaks Christian 2014 athlete D.J. Riggins (5-11, 176), doesn’t have to look far to find a player similar to him.
Riggins is the cousin of UCLA signee Ishmael Adams, who like Riggins, was a running back who became a high-level cornerback, an eventual MVP of the U.S. Army Bowl.
“Right now, I just got introduced to cornerback, but I’ve played running back my whole life and I’d like to do that in college,” said Riggins. “But if I find I’m better at cornerback and that’s what people want me at, I’ll play there. It worked good for Ishmael.”
Riggins is beginning to hear from some schools, and has interest in a number of them.
“I’ve been hearing from Utah State and Wyoming mainly right now, and I’m really excited, because other schools are having interest in me,” said Riggins. “I really would like to go to UCLA or USC, and stay in the Pac-12, but if anyone offered, I’d consider them.”
Riggins said growing up with Adams, especially the past few years, has been helpful for him as he prepares for the recruiting process.
“He told me it’s a really exciting process, so just enjoy it and soak it all in,” said Riggins. “I’d love to get early offers, but I’ll just play my junior year, and just enjoy it and see what comes from it. And if colleges find me better at cornerback, I won’t disagree with them. I’m just excited about the process.”
Riggins earned All-Underclass honors at this month’s SoCal NFTC, as a running back, and said he’s focused this year on improving at the position, poised to be the primary ball-carrier for the Lions with Adams and Carlos Mendoza off to the Pac-12.
“I’m just working hard to get better as a player and improve as a running back,” said Riggins. “Doing well at the Nike Camp, there were a lot of great running backs and being one of the better performers there, it was exciting and good to know I’m kind of on their level. I’m 176 right now, but I’d like to get up to 185 before the season starts. Playing schools like Del Oro, they’re really big. I have speed, but size will help me out.”
Academically, Riggins has a 3.2 GPA and will start taking the SAT and ACT in the fall.