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Riley’s career as a coach started out rather interesting. As a walk-on freshman quarterback at Texas Tech, Leach called Riley into his office and basically told him he though Riley lacked the talent to be a quarterback at the college level, but believed his knowledge and willingness to study the game would make him a great coach. Leach quickly convinced the young quarterback to move into a student assistant coaching position after that freshman season. By the time Riley was 23 years old, he was being paid as receivers coach for Leach. After Leach was fired, Riley took over play calling duties for the 2010 Alamo Bowl against Michigan State. The Pirates would beat the Spartans 41-31 and Riley’s offense racked up 571 yards of total offense in his first game as a play caller. Perhaps one of the biggest complaints Oklahoma fans had with the offense under Heupel, was the inability to convert on third down. The Sooners were 61st in the country in third down conversion percentage at 40.45%. They were actually worse in 2013 at 39.49%. Meanwhile, East Carolina was one of the best in the country on third down with Riley calling plays. The Pirates were 11th in the country in third down conversion percentage at 47.85% in 2014. ECU was even better in 2013 when Riley had a strong running back in Cooper as a weapon. In 2014, Riley’s offense converted third downs at a rate of 49.16%. If you’re a quarterback or receiver at Oklahoma or considering going to Oklahoma, you have to like the addition of Riley. If you’re a fan of the Sooners, you too should like the addition of Riley and if you are a bit skeptical because of your love of the running game, I would urge you not to buy into the “Leach disciple” label being tagged on Riley. When it’s all said and done, I’d expect the Sooners to definitely have a passing offense, but a more balanced offense than you might expect. read more: http://stormininnorman.com/2015/01/12/oklahoma-football-lincoln-riley-guy/

This is a big week for Arizona State. Not only for health and fundamental purposes, but also for recruiting. With the Sun Devils off this weekend, their coaches are set to hit the recruiting trail. Coach Todd Graham even will travel the Valley skies by helicopter. "Being able to get out and go see games will be good," offensive coordinator Mike Norvell said. Aside from running ASU's offense, this is where Norvell makes his mark. By some measures, he is ASU's top recruiter. Asked why this is, Graham before the season brought up Norvell's passion and work ethic, which he said often has the two talking recruiting on the phone as the clock nears midnight. Concluded Graham: "He's like a dad-gum Chihuahua, just chomping on your dang heels, man." To date, Norvell has had a hand in lassoing six of ASU's 12 2016 commitments, a group that includes four-star quarterback Dillon Sterling-Cole of Westfield High in Houston; three-star running back Tre Turner of Holy Cross High in New Orleans and three-star receiver Kyle Williams of Vista Murrieta High in California. read more: http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/ncaaf/asu/2015/10/22/what-makes-mike-norvell-asus-top-recruiter/74400330/