Seasoned starter on the gridiron

Interlake senior Riley Schroeder is confident his team will thrive in 2015

By Shaun Scott • August 12, 2015 8:51 pm

Interlake Saints senior jack-of-all-trades football player Riley Schroeder will be in the starting lineup for the third consecutive season this fall on the gridiron.

Schroeder, who has played linebacker, cornerback and safety during his high school career thus far, loves the physical aspect of football more than anything.

“I have always been a hit first, tackle first type of guy. I love hitting people and I love tackling. That is why I love playing safety. You are usually one of the first players to get a chance to hit,” Schroeder said.

Over the summer Schroeder has focused on learning the defensive end position in preparation for the fall.

“We have a lot of depth at defensive back so I have been working on converting to defensive end. It has been a big transition,” he said.

Schroeder, who is 5 feet, 6 inches tall and 160 pounds, said opposing offensive lineman underestimated him during team camp this summer.

“When they saw this kid my size coming at them they are like what the heck? Then I go in and make some plays and they are just so surprised,” Schroeder said.

The Saints finished the 2014 season with a disappointing 3-6 record. Schroeder said the Saints just couldn’t find a way to win close games but expects that to change this coming season.

“It really is all mental. We felt like we’ve had a talented team the last few years but we could just never buckle down and finish games. We just have to execute, limit our turnovers and create turnovers on defense. We have our running back DeJhion Parrish and quarterback Duncan Varela who are great on offense. They are unstoppable,” Schroeder said. “We are going to be really hard to stop.”

Recently the Bellevue Reporter had an opportunity to ask Schroeder some questions about his life away from the gridiron.

Bellevue Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Riley Schroeder: The Warriors. It is a 1970s movie.

BR: What is something unique about you that nobody would know?

RS: I’m a pretty good singer. I like to sing love songs.

BR: How many text messages do you send per day?

RS: Group chats is all that I do.

BR: Who was your idol growing up?

RS: Carlos Beltran (Major League Baseball player). I was always a big New York Mets fan growing up watching baseball. He was always my favorite player. I wanted to be just like him.

BR: What is your dream vacation spot?

RS: Probably somewhere in Spain or Brazil.

BR: What is your favorite eatery in Bellevue?

RS: Tu Casa. It is a Mexican restaurant that is really good. It is family owned and they all know my family pretty well.

BR: What is your favorite hobby away from sports?

RS: Relaxing, playing music and playing video games.

BR: Where do you see yourself in five years?

RS: Graduating from college.

BR: What is the last concert you have been to?

RS: I have never been to a concert in my entire life. I have always wanted to really bad though.

BR: If you could pick one person to go to dinner with, who would it be?

RS: Will Ferrell. I think I would have a great time. He would be so funny.