San Francisco 49ers hold private workout with draft prospect who revived career in Bay Area
All 32 NFL teams this week got an opportunity to watch former Ohio State safety Amir Riep at the Buckeyes' pro day in Columbus, but the San Francisco 49ers have taken a particularly keen interest in a player whose chance to impress at the pro level has come a lot later than first anticipated. A […]
All 32 NFL teams this week got an opportunity to watch former Ohio State safety Amir Riep at the Buckeyes' pro day in Columbus, but the San Francisco 49ers have taken a particularly keen interest in a player whose chance to impress at the pro level has come a lot later than first anticipated.
A versatile defensive back, Riep played for Ohio State from 2017 to 2019, however, he was dismissed from the football program in February 2020 after being charged with rape.
Riep was acquitted of all charges last February and got a second chance to play college football, doing so in the Bay Area at Lincoln University, which is based in Oakland but is not affiliated with the NCAA.
Per Justin Melo of The Draft Network, Riep had 87 tackles, five sacks, five pass breakups, and four forced fumbles in his lone season with the Oaklanders.
The 49ers were clearly suitably intrigued by Riep, with Melo reporting they flew him out for a private in-person workout.
In an interview with Melo prior to his pro day workout, Riep said: "I want to remind all the decision-makers that I'm still here. 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 just looking to remind everyone that I'm still that same player. I'm capable of showcasing my talent and athleticism."
Riep, who played safety, nickel and outside corner during his three years with Ohio State, added: "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."
Versatility and physicality are traits the 49ers covet on defense but, with the legal process having taken so long to play out, the 25-year-old Riep's hopes of being drafted may be slim because of his age.
But the level of interest shown in him by the 49ers suggests they are candidates to potentially sign him to a free agent contract after the end of the seventh round. Having relaunched his career in Oakland, there at least appears to be a chance Riep could continue it at Levi's Stadium.
