BYU Football Recruiting: Q & A with new Cougar commit Riley Burt

Riley Burt plays running back and cornerback for the Box Elder High School Bees in Brigham City, (northern) Utah. Burt is an all-around athlete who could see the field at multiple positions on each side of the ball.

Paul Greenhalgh: You were born in Alabama. How did you end up in Mantua, Utah?

Riley Burt: I was adopted when I was one. I grew up in Brigham, then came up to Mantua.

PG: What helped you decide to commit to BYU?

RB: The coaches are really nice. My family helped me a lot. I don't know, it's just one of the better schools and it's where I wanted to go.

PG: What has the recruiting process been like for you?

RB: It's been long. BYU, they talked to me probably since the first of my sophomore year. So they've been talking to me for a while. It's been fun; all the games you get to go to, the practices, the coaches you get to meet, and the players. It's been cool.

PG: What other schools have been recruiting you?

RB: Utah, Utah State, BYU obviously, Boise State, local ones, UNLV.

PG: Have you made your official visit to BYU yet? If not, do you plan it and when?

RB: Nope, I have not.

PG: Do you plan on making an official visit still?

RB: Yah.

PG: Do you know anybody else on the team or any of the other commits yet?

RB: I know Dayan. Me and Dayan are really good friends. Kody Wilstead, the Pine View quarterback, he was on my seven-on-seven team for Las Vegas. He's really good.

PG: How do you expect to contribute to the team?

RB: I don't know. I don't have a specific position yet, but I'm an athlete and I'll be able to play what they want me to and do good at it.

PG: Do you anticipate playing defensive back or running back?

RB: I don't know. Whatever they want me to. I'm good with both.

PG: How long have you been on the defensive side of the ball?

RB: Five games. Not very long. I'm not too familiar with it yet.

PG: How do you like it though?

RB: I like it. I think it's fun. Corner is cool.

PG: What do you think that BYU, both the school and the football program, offer you?

RB: Great coaching; very good coaching. The coaches care about you, as a player and as a person after college. I think the school will be great and a good program.

PG: What are you looking forward to most at BYU?

RB: Playing football. I'm really excited to play football. Meet new people.

PG: How does BYU fit into your long-term plans?

RB: It's just going to prepare me for life and whatever I decide to go into. I'm sure they are good at what they do.

PG: Do you know what you want to study?

RB: I'm not sure.

PG: What about a mission? Do you have any thoughts about going on a mission?

RB: Yah, I'm not for sure yet. I don't know yet. I've thought about it.

PG: What coaches worked with you through the recruiting process at BYU?

RB: Coach Howell a lot, he's been the main one. The running backs coach Atauia, he's been there.

PG: Nick Howell and Geoff Martzen, the Recruiting Coordinator, have been hyping your class up on Twitter with #2015thechosenones, #noflyzone, and #lockupthebeehive what do you think about that?

RB: I think we definitely have all the best players in Utah committed to BYU. I think we got the best class.

PG: You come from a Utah family, right? What does your family think about your commitment to play for BYU?

RB: I think they think it is awesome. I think it is where they wanted me to go. I think it all worked out good.

PG: You run track now, is that something you would like to do at BYU as well?

RB: I think so. I'm not for sure yet. I've gotten a couple letters for track from other different schools. Still getting' them.

PG: What events do you run?

RB: The one and the two. I also did the shot put this year.

PG: Tell me something interesting or unique about yourself.

RB: I don't know. I love football.

PG: Maybe a better question would be, outside of football what do you like to do with your time?

RB: Ride dirt bikes, play video games. Classic teenager I guess.