In a coach-free month, Texas stars trained with Austin’s Tim Riley to stay sharp. No shortcuts — just smart work, fun vibes and a head start on summer conditioning.
AUSTIN, Texas — For college football programs across the country, May is the month that makes head coaches uneasy.
It falls right after spring football ends, and just before summer workouts begin — a 30-day stretch where players are technically on their own.
No team lifts. No organized drills. No daily structure.
But for a group of Texas Longhorns standouts — including linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., edge rusher Trey Moore and others — this May was anything but idle. Instead, they chose to put in the work with Austin-based personal trainer Tim Riley.
“They could be doing anything, anywhere,” Riley said. “I just want to make sure they’re training in a safe, focused environment — one where they can work hard, but still enjoy the process.”
Riley, who has worked with athletes at every level, understands the delicate balance in the offseason. His goal isn’t to push players to their physical limit or chase personal records, but instead to build a solid foundation that sets them up for success when the Longhorns’ official summer conditioning kicks in.
“We’re not trying to turn anyone into a Heisman candidate in three and a half weeks — that’s just not realistic,” Riley said. “This is about preparing their bodies to handle the intensity that’s coming once they report back to Texas’ strength and conditioning staff in June.”
The sessions aren’t about maxing out, but they’re also no walk in the park. Riley keeps the workouts around a “7 or 8 out of 10” intensity level, mixing in light plyometrics, lower-body movements and core training — with plenty of attention to proper form and recovery.
“We’re gonna get good work in. But we’re also gonna have fun,” Riley said. “These guys need to enjoy the training. That’s a big part of why they keep coming back.”
And that enjoyment is visible. Between reps, there’s laughter, jokes and the occasional reminder that yes, cameras are rolling.
“Hey, this is going on TV — y’all can’t make me look bad!” one player shouted during a recent session, sparking a round of laughs mid-workout.
But make no mistake — when the music’s off and the clock is running, it’s all business.
As of this week, May is officially in the rearview. That means summer workouts have begun on campus, and the countdown to kickoff is officially on.
And if you ask around, it’s a safe bet the guys who spent May training with Riley are showing up a little more prepared than most.