Mike Ridaught
If the spring football game is any indication, Jaron Riley is expected to have a big year for the Tigers.
The rising senior scored a pair of touchdowns in the first half of Trenton’s 38-18 win against Interlachen.
“Jaron is a great kid,” said Trenton football coach Bill Wiles. “He never has a bad day. He’s a genuine joy to be around.”
Last year, Riley averaged 4.5 yards per carry in limited action. He is expected to have a larger role this season after leading rusher Caleb Morgan graduated.
“Jaron has only played varsity football for one year,” Wiles said. “He is a go-getter. He is a playmaker. He just seems to find ways to make big plays.”
Offensively, he is setting the bar high in 2021. His goal is to rush for 1,000 yards.
Riley, who will also play safety and corner, led the team with four interceptions last year and finished with 32 tackles.
“Jaron brings a lot of juice and swag to our team,” Wiles said. “He is a great teammate and a great locker room dude. He will have a good year this year.”
Football is one of four sports that Riley will play in 2021-22. He’s also a member of the track team and runs a 4.48 40-yard dash.
“I wish all of our kids ran track,” Wiles said.
Riley said his favorite high school moment so far was “when I was district champ for the 400 this past year.”
He will also play basketball and baseball for the Tigers.
“I love true three to four sport dudes,” Wiles said. “They love to compete. It’s hard to find real competitive cats anymore.”
This past February, Riley helped lead the Trenton boys basketball team to its first district title in 21 years.
“Great positive teammate that will put the team first,” said Trenton boys basketball coach Cedric Booth. “Heart of a champion who never takes plays off in practice or in games.”
Riley averaged seven points per game as a junior.
“If we’re going to be successful it’s because of what he brings to the team,” Booth said. “Looking forward to seeing him have a great senior year. You couldn’t ask for a better person for me to coach.”
Riley also excels in the classroom. He carries a 3.86 grade point average and he has made the A/B honor roll every year during his high school career.