Hinsdale Central’s Star Junior Lineman: Gene Riordan

Gene Riordan is a 4 Star recruit who plays Interior Offensive Line at Hinsdale Central High School. Riordan is ranked as the 264th best recruit in the class of 2026 and is ranked as a top 20 Interior Offensive Lineman in the class as well. In addition, Riordan is listed as a top 10 recruit in the state of Illinois and is listed as the #1 Interior Offensive Lineman in the state of Illinois. He holds offers from schools such as Oklahoma, Auburn and Louisville.

Who are some role models in your life?

A role model I have in my life is my dad, my father played in college and has been a great guide through the recruiting process. He also has taught me the valuable skills and traits of a great man.

What artists do you listen to pregame, to get you hyped up?

I listen to a mix of artists, mostly Foo Fighters or Johnny Cash.

What are the strengths of your game?

I would say the strengths of my game include my ability to decipher patterns in defensives, as I handle call outs for the right side of the line, also the ability to make decisions on the move.

What is your favorite memory of your career?

My favorite memory of my career would be our away camp in the summer, I put in a lot of work but also bonded with my teammates.

Who is the best player you have ever played with or played against in your career?

I have played against a number of great Division 1 defensive linemen through high school, but Joseph Reiff from York was a fantastic player. l’ve played against him twice and he’s both fantastic on the field and a great competitor showing sportsmanship.

What is some advice you would give to an aspiring D1 athlete?

Some advice I would give to an aspiring athlete would be to know that people will have opinions about you, and sometimes they may not be great, but you need to believe in yourself and your personal mission above all.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

if I could travel anywhere it would be to Ireland. I’m Irish and I still have family in County Cork, We have plans to go next summer which should be great.

How old were you when you fell in love with the game?

I fell in love with the game of football from a young age, watching games with my dad before I can remember, as a player in second grade.

If you could meet one sports hero, who would it be?

I would want to meet Tom Brady.

What is your favorite sports moment, as a fan?

As a sports fan my greatest moment was when Chicago beat the Packers with Mitch Trubisky.