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YSU defensive lineman Rivers shifts gear for draft preparation
Google the words “Derek Rivers draft stock” and you’ll find countless websites dedicated to the NFL Draft. Many of them seem to think the former Youngstown State defensive end standout improved his draft stock at last weekend’s Senior Bowl.
Rivers split time with other defensive ends on the North team, but came up with a sack and showed good speed and pursuit during his time on the field.
“It was a blessing to be there,” Rivers said Tuesday. “In the FCS we get one week to play against FBS talent so it was a blessing to go up against them for three days straight and then play against them.
“It’s not something that everyone gets invited to. Meeting those guys and playing against them, I couldn’t ask for nothing better.”
And don’t think the fact he was wearing a helmet from an FCS team meant he was looked at like a little brother from guys from bigger programs.
“If you’re there you’re there,” Rivers said. “Nobody is going to think about that out there. The logo on your helmet doesn’t matter. You’re there for a reason.”
After suffering a defeat in the FCS National Championship Game in Frisco, Texas, to James Madison, Rivers wasted no time in preparing for the NFL Draft. On Monday, he was in Cincinnati training with Ignigtion APG, a organization that he’ll be training with until the draft, which will run from April 27-29.
“It’s a faith-based facility and I love the fact that they not only help me physically but keep me sound spiritually as well,” Rivers said. “They’re one of the best in the country when it comes to combine stuff.”
While this type of preparation includes much less film study than Rivers sat through during his seasons with YSU, it is a rigorous training program every day.
“I typically get up about 7:30 and we have a meeting at 9 a.m. Then around 9:45 we’ll do position work until about 12. Then after that we’ll lift from about 1:30 to 3 p.m. And then we’ll go to recover in like a pool or sauna,” Rivers said.
The fervor of this type of training is similar to the work put in during the week when preparing for a team in season, according to Rivers. But the biggest difference is making sure there’s no lingering injuries.
“It’s the same intensity so for the most part it’s just like any other day,” Rivers said. “But you constantly have to watch your body and fitness level. If you feel something like a hamstring tighten up they’ll sit you down so you can get the proper treatment.
“One of the biggest differences is you have more guys on the training staff and there’s more people there to critique you so you can improve on what you’re doing.”
Rivers said his biggest strength is his pass-rush ability which was evident in the Senior Bowl when coaches moved him to more of an outside linebacker that was typically standing up on the line trying to get around an offensive tackle.
“Being able to play the whole game standing up was fun,” Rivers said. “I like going into coverage too, that’s pretty fun. We did that a little bit at YSU but they’re having me do it more at this level.”
From going to a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end at YSU to someone who may be tasked with covering some of the best running backs or slot receivers in the NFL, the learning curve is crucial for Rivers.
“There’s lots of different things to learn,” Rivers said. “As far as learning the drops and stuff it’s not too bad but actually covering someone is difficult. But being there [at the Senior Bowl] we got to do it a ton.”