By Mandy Housenick
GoLeopards.com Featured Columnist

A 5:30 a.m. alarm buzzed loudly in Darien Riley's room so he could be ready for Lafayette's summer workouts, which started promptly an hour later.

After brutally training for two and a half hours, Riley showered and could have simply headed home to rest.

Instead, he jumped in his car for the 2-plus hour drive to Lebanon County twice during the week and then again either Saturday or Sunday for his internship, "Sole Savers."

The 501 (c) (3) non-profit focuses on building confidence, discipline, emotional control, leadership and healthy habits, especially for underprivileged kids. Some attend for sports. Others go for mentorship.

Riley took part because he wanted to make a difference.

"It was a really cool experience," Riley said. "I was welcomed by them with nothing but love. I learned a lot about the kids and really got to interact with them. I was really able to connect with the community. I think that's the best thing that could happen for somebody who is away from home and wants to give back to others. It hit more on the home basis for me wanting to give back to kids and wanting to help. We call that the power of the push up."

Riley, a senior defensive end/linebacker, specifically sought out the internship. Making the differences in the lives of children was important to him.



The economics major, slated to graduate early this December, helped organize and coordinate events with kids, such as a basketball tournament that he coached followed by play time and lunch at the park. "I think the most beautiful part about working for Sole Savers was seeing the community thrive," Riley said. "We would drop knowledge on them to try to teach them life lessons. We wanted to teach them not to be selfish about the game and how that then carries over into life. There needs to be a team bond. You can never get everything accomplished alone."

Neither his teammates nor his coaches were surprised he wanted to go that route. They've had the joy and honor of getting to know and experience all that Riley brings to their team.

"I was definitely aware he did that and it is 100 percent him," fellow lineman Michael Vaughn said. "It didn't surprise me at all. It was definitely up his alley. I came in with him four years ago and ever since I've known him, he's been the guy to give you the shirt off his back. He's always there for others." One reason head coach John Troxell recruited Riley is because he'd be not only an impact player on the field, but off the field as well.

"That sounds like him," Troxell said. "He's got a big heart, he really does. He's a gentle giant. He's very polite, respectful."

When he's not busy in the classroom or the football field, Riley is designing a clothing line – BNML – Business Now, Money Later. He has designs on hoodies, shorts, and joggers for men and women. He's hoping to expand into sportswear as well. Usually his logo will be on the front with either an inspirational or religious phrase on the back.

In addition to always loving to draw and having an affinity to expressing his creativity, one specific quote from a hoodie he bought inspired him a few years ago. It said, "You are enough. The world is a better place with you in it. Love the person in front of you."

"I knew it was something I needed to get through the time," he said. "I didn't really know how powerful it was until others told me how powerful it was."



What might be even more powerful is how Riley wants to spend his first paycheck – whether it comes from his clothing line or possibly getting paid to play football in the future.

It won't be on an expensive car for himself.

It won't be on jewelry for himself.

It won't be on the newest phone or earbuds.

Riley, on pace to be the first one in his family to graduate from college, will be making sure his grandmother, Rebecca Porter, gets the white picket fence she has always dreamed of. Although she is now retired, she was never able to save enough from cleaning houses to pay for that fence.

"In the car one day I started thinking, 'How could I make that happen for her?' Riley said. "Then I realized, if I take care of business now, she can get what she wants later."

That pushed Riley then and continues to fuel him now.

In a day and age when many athletes need an extra semester or longer to graduate from college, Riley, who comes from a military family, will finish this December. And then, because he has one more year of eligibility left, he can go to a Division 1 FBS program and be paid substantial money to play a final season of college football.

"He's a kid who could have left here and could have gotten paid to leave here," Troxell said. "He's getting his Lafayette degree because that will carry weight. If he gets hurt, he will always have that degree. He's making sure he's here for the right reasons.

"He's played for us for four years, but he has really developed and become a dominant player. When he came in, he had to develop and he's grown. Someone will love to get him as a one-year rental which is what college football has become. He will get paid and have the degree. I think he will get the best of both worlds. And I think he will get his grandmother that white picket fence."

Riley hasn't considered coaching in the future, but because he loves kids and giving back to his community, he has returned to his high school and middle school to help coach football during spring workouts as well as basketball. Many of the coaches he had are still there.

It's just a matter of what he puts his mind to.


Featured in the game program vs. Holy Cross on Sept. 26