Spring practice has different feel for Riverdale football team

There was a difference in spring practice this season at Riverdale High School.

Call it a vibe or air of confidence under second-year coach Will Kriesky. It could be a bevy of college scouts hanging around. 

"A lot of it's coaching, trying to change the culture around here," said Riverdale incoming senior Jarek Campbell. "We're getting where we need to be."

Despite missing three defensive linemen (one who was hurt early) and other key players because of spring sports, the Warriors looked strong in their first spring scrimmage Thursday against visiting Bradley Central.

"It was a good, physical battle," said Kriesky, who led the program to a third-place finish in Region 2-6A in his first season. "We got in a lot of good work, especially on defense. Their quarterback throws well. Our secondary got a lot of work."

Four-star defensive lineman prospect Dre Litaker did not play while still recovering from a knee injury. Fellow lineman Mario Sanders was also out with an injury while defensive lineman Jordan Cordoba suffered a dislocated elbow early in the scrimmage.

Among those absent because of spring sports was speedy running back Michael Scruggs.

However, Riverdale incoming senior Savion Davis didn't miss a beat at tailback, running for a long touchdown and catching a long touchdown pass.

"He should have had a third, but we had a penalty," said Kriesky.

"(Davis) ran the ball really well. Some of our younger guys stepped up with (Litaker and Sanders) out. We're developing some quality depth."

Warrior fans might see a bit of thunder and lightning in the backfield with Davis and Scruggs, who is competing as a sprinter with the Warrior track team.

"I thought Savion ran the ball better between tackles (this spring)," Kriesky said. "He's more physical. Last year at times he went down on contact. Today he was breaking tackles."

Several Division I schools have been lurking around the Riverdale spring practices. Litaker, who will decide soon between Tennessee, Alabama or Louisville, is still garnering a lot of attention.

Campbell has piqued the larger schools as well. He's received offers from Tennessee, Louisville, Memphis, Kentucky and Cincinnati.

"I'm going to focus on those schools first," said Campbell, a 5-foot-11, 195-pound defensive back who has a three-star rating by 247Sports.

Added Kriesky, "It's also gotten other kids a chance to rise. Having (college) coaches coming around creates excitement. It's good for the kids, the program and the school. Kids get recognized. It's a testament of the (region) we play in."

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.