Riley Is a Bright Spot for Shaky Avengers

A year after winning the Western Division title, the Avengers are off to a shaky start. They have lost two of their first three games, and, this week, quarterback Ryan Van Dyke was cut two days after making his first Arena Football League start.

But one bright spot has been the play of lineman Bernard Riley, who has emerged as a steady force on both sides of the line of scrimmage -- an accomplishment considering he played only defense most of his career.

“I have a whole new perspective on offensive linemen,” said Riley, who started 19 games at nose guard and tackle in four seasons at USC, from 1999 to 2002. “In high school and college, I used to hate them because I was a defensive guy. But no more. You have to really work to be an offensive lineman.”

Riley, who participated in training camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2003, signed with the Avengers last year and became a two-way player over the second half of the season. Now, he rarely leaves the field.

“It’s been a humbling experience,” Riley said. “Every game, somebody is going to get you as an offensive lineman. You have to drop back and wait on most plays and you must have good hands and vision.

“As a defensive lineman, if you have good quickness and strength, there are times when you can basically play with your eyes shut. You can’t do that on offense. You always have to have your eyes open or you’re going to get beat.”

On defense, Riley, 6 feet 2, 315 pounds, is a mainstay for a unit that has given up the fewest yards in the arena league.

He said that he’s used to being a double-duty player now, helped by a rule change that now allows substitutions on special teams.

“Fatigue is a state of mind with me,” Riley said. “Last year, it was tougher when you had to run down on all those special-teams plays. This year, you do get to take a blow now and then. But it’s still all mental.”

Because of injuries, the Avengers have been rotating several inexperienced linemen, and Coach Ed Hodgkiss said that’s part of the reason behind his offense’s inconsistent play.

“We went into the season thinking that we would have four or five experienced guys ready to play, but injuries have kind of haunted us at that position,” the coach said, noting that Riley and Sean McNamara were the only veterans in the lineup last week in a 66-41 loss at Grand Rapids.

Riley said that it’s not time to panic for the Avengers, who are 1-2 along with three other Western Division teams.

“Once we come together as a team, we’ll be OK,” he said.

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The Avengers, who play Chicago on Saturday night at Staples Center, are expected to start Brian Mann at quarterback. With the release of Van Dyke, Sonny Cumbie is the backup. Hodgkiss said it’s time for the Avengers to start scoring more points.

“There’s no doubt that we’re struggling offensively,” Hodgkiss said. “But Brian has gotten a little better each week and hopefully he and the rest of the team continue to improve. We’re hoping that when we get the more experienced guys back that should help.”

Offensive specialist Tony Locke, who began the season on the injured list, had five catches for 44 yards against Grand Rapids.

Lenzie Jackson, a wide receiver and defensive back, also had a good game. He forced a fumble on a kickoff return and had four catches for 55 yards.