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Nazareth's Class Of 2020 Linebacker Riley Theobald Rising Recruit In Illinois
- Peter (COACH BIG PETE) Leinweber
- Apr 29, 2018
- 3 min read

So in a way to better understand the use of Deep Dish Football for Illinois recruits and the whole entire IHSA Football scene. Decided to do player profiles of players who you might not know or you might know , but you should respect them for their roles on their respective teams.
Riley Theobald Nazareth Linebacker Class of 2020 6'2 235
COACH BIG PETE'S TAKE
So here we are again another Nazareth stud linebacker moving up the ranks. Class of 2020 Riley Theobald looks to be one of the top linebackers in the state of Illinois. He has natural ability at the linebacker spot, but the key will be his block shedding and coverage progressions this season.
Riley Theobald what schools have you been talking to?
I have been fortunate to get to speak with some large school coaches like Wisconsin, Northwestern, Western Michigan, Illinois, NIU.
I have also had a lot of contact and personal camp invites from many D2 and NAIA schools like ONU, Ferris State, Missouri Baptist, Concordia, Culver Stockton, USF, Etc.
What does Nazareth Football mean to you?
Nazareth football is all about family. I was raised with a tight family bond, not only with my immediate family but, also with my brothers on the field and the coaches at Nazareth work hard to build that unity. When you can connect at that level with a group of people the sky is the limit.
What was one of your favorite memories from last season?
My goal since I have been 7 or 8 years old was to win a high school state title. Standing on the field last year at NIU in the in front of that
crowd our family, friends, old team mates, hearing our names announced over that loud speaker before the game………WOW, I still get goose bumps thinking about it. Now it’s time to finish!!
Game you looking most forward to this season?
Honestly, I look forward to every game like it’s the state game. I love to see a new opponents that I have not played against, new faces, a new challenge, new opportunity, we get a few of those games this year with North Springfield (Missouri) and Lake Zurich.
What should college coaches know about you?
College coaches should know that I give this game everything I have on and off the field, I believe in team and hard work. I was fortunate at a young age to discover that if everyone does their job, trusts the process and believes in the end goal that nothing is unachievable and I’m not afraid to be out front and lead that charge.
What goal do you have for yourself this season?
My goal is team success. Ultimate end goal 100% is a state championship but, along the way I want to grow as a football player and get bigger, stronger, faster, smarter, continue to get better at breaking down film, analyzing my opponent, exposing weakness, and being two steps ahead of every play. I want to win every down.
Who is one player from Naz Class of 2020-2021 that College Coaches should take a look at?
That’s a rough question coach…… I have 10+ right off the top of my head, I have to break the rules and go for two. Alex Carrillo and JJ McCarthy. Those two guy’s put in the work day in and day out, they’re going to turn some heads this year.
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