Highlight Reel! FAMU's Zaire Riley makes one-handed interception in practice

Zaire Riley is shorter than the average guy on the street.

On the football field, too.

However, Florida A&M's 5-foot-6, 160-pound defensive back came up big during the Rattlers' practice Monday. 

Riley, a freshman from Gadsden County High, made an incredible one-handed interception during one-on-one drills. 

FAMU COVERAGE

More:WATCH: Willie Simmons impressed with quarterbacks, evaluates secondary

More:Where UF transfer athlete Fenley Graham fits in with FAMU roster

More:Wild Card: Six FAMU football players to watch for a breakout season

'Definitely made my mouth drop' 

Receiver Xavier Smith, who led the Rattlers last season with 64 receptions and 713 yards and is considered the team's best wideout, made an inside move coming off the line and then cut outside.

A trailing Riley quickly accelerated, leaped in front of Smith and, with his gloved right hand at full extension, made the remarkable pick.

The video from FAMU athletics has been shared across social media, including ESPN. 

FAMU coach Willie Simmons didn't see the play live, but he too couldn't believe his eyes when he watched the clip.

What made the play even more impressive, according to Simmons, it was the first rep of one-on-one drills.

Riley quickly jumped in to defend the 5-foot-11 Smith, who recorded the third-most receptions (15 against USF)  in an NCAA game last season. 

"When I saw the clip it definitely made my mouth drop," Simmons told the Democrat Tuesday morning.  "And then I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that it was on ESPN. He jumped up against the best receiver we have.  Zaire is a dynamic athlete and has a bright future even with his relatively small stature."

Playing bigger than his size 

Riley was an early enrollee at FAMU, entering last January and participating in spring practice. 

While most recruiters overlook the versatile athlete because of his short stature - Riley's the smallest and lightest player on FAMU's roster - Simmons didn't hesitate to recruit the local player. 

Riley certainly made a name for himself during recruiting camps prior to his senior season at Gadsden County. 

He captured Defensive Back MVP honors at the Underclassmen Report Orlando Elite Camp in April 2021. Two weeks earlier, he was a Gatorade “G” Award winner at the FBU Camp in Pensacola.

Reach Jim Henry at jjhenry@tallahassee.com.

No one covers the Rattlers like the Tallahassee Democrat. Subscribe using the link at the top of the page.