Amir Riep will return to the Woody Hayes Athletic Center this spring.
The former Ohio State cornerback – who did not play for three years while he awaited trial for a rape charge on which he was ultimately found not guilty – told Justin Melo of The Draft Network that he will participate in the Buckeyes’ pro day after playing one season at Lincoln University in Oakland, California.
“I want to remind all the decision-makers that I’m still here,” Riep said when asked about his decision to perform at the pro day. “I once played at a high level at Ohio State. I made a lot of big plays in big-time moments. I’ve played on the biggest of stages. I’m looking to remind everyone that I’m still that same player. I’m capable of showcasing my talent and athleticism.”
“I'm looking to remind everyone that I'm still the same player. I'm capable of showcasing my talent and athleticism.”– Amir Riep
Across 12 appearances for Lincoln, Riep recorded 87 tackles, five sacks, four forced fumbles and five pass breakups. He was one of the top performers for an Oaklanders team that went 0-12 in 2023.
While Lincoln had little success last season, Riep believes he showed he can be an anchor at the back end of an NFL defense. He hopes scouts will see that when they watch his film from Ohio State and Lincoln.
"The biggest thing with me is versatility. I’m not just throwing out words. I actually played all three defensive back positions at Ohio State," Riep said. "I moved around during actual games, not just practice. I played nickel, cornerback and as a single-high safety at Ohio State. The coaching staff at Ohio State trusted me to play all three positions during games.
"I’m going to prove that I can still play all three positions throughout this pre-draft process. I can play in the box and make those physical plays. I tackle well. I can play over the top. I can play off coverage. I can play press-man versus tight ends and slot receivers. Versatility and physicality are my calling cards. I can make big-time plays in big-time games."
Riep spent three years with the Buckeyes from 2017-19, appearing in 40 total games and recording 33 total tackles and three interceptions. He and fellow Ohio State defensive back Jahsen Wint were dismissed from the team in February 2020 after they were arrested on charges of rape and kidnapping. Riep and Wint were acquitted of those charges last February after years of awaiting trial.
When Riep returns to Columbus this spring, he will join a group of Ohio State pro day participants that will also include Marvin Harrison Jr., Cade Stover, Mike Hall Jr., Tommy Eichenberg, Josh Proctor, Steele Chambers, Matt Jones, Miyan Williams and Xavier Johnson. Riep was teammates with Proctor, Jones and Johnson in 2018 and 2019, as well as Stover, Eichenberg and Chambers in 2019.
The date for Ohio State's 2024 pro day has not yet been announced. The Buckeyes' 2023 pro day occurred on March 22.
