Keith Rivers
|
|
|
Contents |
[edit] Biography
Keith Rivers is a senior weakside linebacker for the University of Southern California. Rivers led the Trojans with 85 tackles in 2006 while notching 7.5 tackles for a loss. In 2007, he was an SI.com (first team) and Walter Camp Foundation (second team) All-American.
[edit] High School
Rivers attended high school in Lake Mary, Florida at Lake Mary High School. He was ranked as a 5-star recruit and the nation's third best linebacker by Scout.com. He was named an All-American by Parade Magazine, USA Today, and others. He was also the Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of Florida. He chose Southern Cal over Florida, Florida State, the University of Miami and Georgia.
[edit] College
Rivers began as a freshman in 2004 backing up Matt Grootegoed at weakside linebacker, but also played as a defensive end in pass rushing situations and on special teams. He played in all 13 games and finished with 25 tackles, good enough to make the Sporting News' Freshman All-Pac 10 first team.
His freshman campaign earned him the starting job at weakside linebacker for his sophomore season in 2005. He led the Trojans with two fumble recoveries, but was hampered with a hamstring injury, and missed two games. His best game came against Notre Dame, where he registered 12 tackles, a sack, an interception and a fumble recovery in the USC victory. He was an All-Pac 10 Honorable Mention.
His breakout season came as a junior in 2006. He led the Trojans with 85 tackles (including 7.5 for a loss) and three forced fumbles. His best game came in the season-opener against Arkansas, making a team-high eight tackles, forcing a fumble and recovering a fumble, good enough to make him the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Week. He was named a 2006 Pro Football Weekly All-American honorable mention, and a member of the All-Pac-10 first team, ESPN.com All-Pac-10 first team, Rivals.com All-Pac-10 first team and Scout.com All-Pac-10 second team. Despite his dominance as a junior, he decided to stay at USC for his senior season.
He began his final season at USC on the Watch Lists for the Lott and Lombardi Trophies. Although he wasn't as impressive statistically, he still was named to the All-Pac 10 First Team and the SI.com All-American First Team.
[edit] Professional Career
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Rivers 9th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft, 2 picks after his teammate Sedrick Ellis was chosen by the New Orleans Saints.
[edit] Statistics
| Year | GP | Tackles | TFL | Sacks | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 13 | 25 | 3.0 | 2.5 | 1 |
| 2005 | 11 | 52 | 3.0 | 1.0 | 1 |
| 2006 | 13 | 85 | 7.5 | 2.0 | 0 |
| 2007 | 11 | 73 | 4.5 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 48 | 235 | 18 | 5.5 | 2.2 |
[edit] Scouting Report
Rivers is not great in one aspect of the game, but he is very good at many aspects of the game. He has a good combination of size and speed that NFL scouts look for in outside linebackers. He has 4.5-4.6 speed in the 40-yard dash, and he has a good burst as a pass rusher. He has a good motor and never gives up on a play. He is great in backside pursuit.
A concern with Rivers is his lack of size in his lower body. Injuries are also a concern. With his senior year a bit of a disappointment compared to preseason predictions, Rivers is projected as a second-round pick. He could get himself in the first round with good offseason workouts and a good showing at the Rose Bowl on January 1st.
[edit] Transactions
- 9th overall pick in the NFL Draft by the Bengals.
[edit] Trivia
- Rivers is nicknamed "The Shark."
- He's majoring in public policy, management and planning.
- He lived in San Bernardino, close to the USC campus, for 8 years growing up.
- When asked to describe his game in three words, Rivers replied, "Fast, physical, fast."
- He plays the ukulele.
[edit] Video Gallery
[edit] Picture Gallery
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
[edit] See Also
Orange County Register profile Rivers before the 2007 season
20 Questions with Keith Rivers
