New Florida State Tight End Brings Playmaking Skills
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
Florida State has signed former East Carolina tight end Desirrio Riles from the transfer portal. Riles will have two years of eligibility.
Riles played in 37 games for East Carolina while starting 15 games. From 2023-2025, he had 45 receptions for 475 yards and four touchdowns.
Florida State head coach Mike Norvell lost 35 players to the transfer portal and brought in 24 players as a result. This season, Norvell will take over the playcalling duties and needs as many experienced playmakers as possible to have a chance for success this season. Riles is the only tight end that Florida State signed through the portal this season.
Florida State currently has two other tight ends on the roster that will compete for the starting spot: Landen Thomas and Chase Loftin.
Last season, Riles played in 13 games while starting 10 games for East Carolina. He totaled 28 receptions for 362 yards and two touchdowns. His play helped East Carolina to a 9-4 record and a victory in the Military Bowl. For the season, he also had 179 yards after the catch, showing speed and playmaking ability.
The highlights of his 2025 season were a seven-reception game versus Florida Atlantic University and a 42-yard reception against Memphis.
Riles played in all 13 games during the 2024 season. He finished the year with eight receptions for 83 yards and two touchdowns. On a side note, Riles was named to the American Conference All-Academic Team in 2024. He was also an honor student during the 2024 season.
Riles started five games as a true freshman, including starting in his first game ever against Michigan in the Big House.
A native of Jacksonville, FL, Riles played his high school ball at University Christian School. In high school, he was a quarterback and defensive lineman. On3 and 247 had Riles rated as a three-star player coming out of high school. He originally signed with Indiana as an outside linebacker but switched his commitment to East Carolina at the last minute.
His high school statistics show his versatility as a player, as he ended his career with 2,803 passing yards, 1,261 rushing yards, and 106 tackles.
Being able to incorporate the tight end in Norvell’s passing game will open up things for preseason All-ACC wide receiver Duce Robinson and provide relief to a new quarterback in Ashtyn Daniels.
Given his experience, Riles should be the favorite to win the starting position in Norvell's offense. Florida State starts training camp on July 30 and begins its season on August 29 at home against New Mexico State.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our NOLES ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos