By LEE BRECHEEN, Louisiana Football Magazine
One of the top cornerbacks in the Shreveport/Bossier area is Haughton High School’s DJ Riser, who plays man defense, is tough, can cover and is always working to get better.
I really like this kid’s upside for the next level and think that in the right defense he can become a starter in Division I or I-AA as a nickel cornerback, cornerback, or even play some strong safety.
Considering most teams run away from his side of the field, the 5-11, 170-pound cornerback had 35 solo tackles, two interceptions, one fumble recovery, and one forced fumble in 2021.
“Coach (Jason) Brotherton is a good head coach,” says Riser. “He pushes us to the max because he knows how hard it would be in a game and how much effort we need in a game. I love to play for coach Brotherton. He’s cool and shows love to everyone.”
Riser has also learned from defensive backs coach John Stafford.
“Coach Stafford is really cool and knows where to put our defensive backs to win games,” says Riser. “He helps us get better and he wants us to succeed — not just in football, but in life.”
Riser cites former LSU great and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White as his role model.
“I look up to him and he’s my role model,” Riser says of the Super Bowl champion, “because I see how he made it out and I see how hard work pays off. He’s my favorite player in the NFL right now.”
Riser says he is working to improve his technique, cornerback IQ, and off-ball man coverage. And he has been putting in lots of time to accomplish his goals.
“I attended (camp at) Grambling State June 11-12,” says Riser. “I also attended camp at ULL and ULM. I’ll be going to Louisiana Tech, Northwestern State, and Mississippi State University. I’m looking forward to going to more camps this summer. I have a lot of coaches contacting and emailing me from different schools, but no offers yet.”
NOTES ON DJ RISER: Hobbies are working out, spending time with family, and football drills. He says he loves to work out “that helps me be more physical and stronger and I believe that working out is important for all athletes, especially football players.” His favorite team to play against is Parkway High School.
Contact Lee at LBrecheen@aol.com
