NC State will be without junior wide receiver CJ Riley for the rest of the 2019 season. Riley tore his left ACL while covering a punt during the first quarter of Saturday’s win over East Carolina.
The 6-foot-4 Riley is an explosive receiving threat for the Wolfpack; he was expected to be a big part of NC State’s pass game this season, too. During the 2018 season, Riley, targeted 48 times, recorded 28 receptions (58.3 percent catch rate) for 315 yards and and two touchdowns.
I appreciate all the prayers and well wishes. Nothing hurts me more than to know that I can’t be out there with my brothers but I know they are going to hold it down out there. My story is far from over and my comeback is just beginning. I’ll see y’all in 2020. pic.twitter.com/J15bOPTavK
— CJ Riley (@CJRIII19) September 2, 2019
Earlier this summer, back in July, Riley posted a sub-4.4 second 40-yard dash time. He entered 2019 as the fastest player on the team’s roster. With Emeka Emezie, Thayer Thomas and Tabari Hines, he was supposed to offset the NFL departures of Kelvin Harmon and Jakobi Meyers.
Riley, who tore his right ACL back in 2016, too, has 37 career receptions.
NC State does have good depth at the receiver position, though. Devin Carter, who caught one pass for 12 yards against ECU, is listed as a starter on the depth chart for the Western Carolina game.
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