merican Football Conference
ational Football Conference
Draft 2012 - Interview of Marcus Rivers ( WR, University of Buffalo)"In Football, you cannot allow yourself to be complacent"
Marcus Rivers: Not being invited to the NFL Combine did not show that I was not worthy, it just shows that some talents are over-shadowed and go unseen. I’m going to continue working hard and pursuing my lifelong dream to play in the NFL.
Footballamericain.com: You have played 4 years for the University of Buffalo. Tell us more about your journey as a Bull. What are your best memories and achievements there?
Marcus Rivers: My four years at the University of Buffalo has been memorable. From understanding what the true meaning of teamwork is, to meeting people and forming a brotherhood that will last for years. The best memories I have of my years at UB is my game against Rhode Island, racking up 10 receptions, 155 yards and 1 touchdownTouchdown (TD)
c'est l'essai qui vaut 6 points et qui peut être transformé au choix à 1 ou 2 points. Il suffit que le ballon pénètre dans la endzone. (pas besoin d'aplatir), and the excitement that I felt from the fans. It was my first year of truly contributing to a win. I also loved the smiles I received from kids every Friday or Saturday.
Footballamericain.com: From a more personal perspective, what did you learn from yourself after these 4 years at Buffalo?
Marcus Rivers: College can either make or break a person, coming from high school where I was a big fish in a little pond, then going to college and being a gold-fish amongst whales was an eye opener. It was truly a humbling experience. It allows one to understand hat you really have to grow up fast and learn to adjust, because college can be overwhelming. I’m blessed to have had the opportunity to go to college and experience what that life is like. It made me a better person.
Marcus Rivers: Coming from a high school with a winning tradition, it was difficult losing. My last two seasons at Buffalo were difficult; I couldn’t understand the reason why we continued to lose when the team was filled with so much talent. There is a lesson to be learned in everything you do.
Footballamericain.com: Who is the best player you have faced during your college football career?
Marcus Rivers: The best player I ever faced was Sean Weatherspoon, now a linebackerLinebacker (LB)
joueur de la défense polyvalent qui constitue le 2ème rideau défensive. with the Atlanta Falcons. He was so physical and relentless. It was crazy seeing a human being able to move people out the way at will.
Footballamericain.com: How would you qualify your game? What are your main strengths and weaknesses?
Marcus Rivers: Being a physical wideout that doesn’t mind going across the middle to catch the ball and taking pride in blockingBlocking
obstruction volontaire et autorisée qui consiste à protéger le porteur du ballon en percutant (et pas en planquant) le défenseur qui va le plaquer.(interdit au rugby). Ball skills and having strong hands are my main strengths. When it comes to my weakness, I feel like I have a some technical things to work on if I’m going to be an elite wideout. You cannot allow yourself to be complacent.
Marcus Rivers: Marquis Colston from the New Orleans Saints when it comes to receiving and route running. But like Hines Wards when it comes to blocking (being fearless).
Footballamericain.com: Regarding the coming draft, what are your expectations? You are more in challenger position isn’t it?
Marcus Rivers: I’m not expecting anything . . . just to be able to make a team and do something I love doing. I’m not going to get my hopes up high, but go into the draft with an open mind, understanding that anything can happen.
Footballamericain.com: Any NFL team you will prefer to play for?
Marcus Rivers: No preference. Any team will be great.
Marcus Rivers: I’ve learned to communicate and I’ve learned that you can learn from anyone regardless of age or class. In whatever I do, I must go into it with an open mind. I would love to go back to my high school and coach. There is so much talent in my community that is over looked.
Footballamericain.com: Is there any particular type of offenseOffense
escouade spécialisée dans l'attaque. in the NFL which you feel would best suit your abilities?
Marcus Rivers: I’ve had my share of offenses from spread to west coast, but ill thrive in any offense
Footballamericain.com: When you get your first professional paycheck what is the first thing you will buy?
Marcus Rivers: I’m the kind of a person who saves every penny. But when I have enough money saved I’ll buy my mom her dream home.
Marcus Rivers: I love basketball, another one of my loves. I’m a family man who enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially my nieces and nephew. Most of my hobbies include anything that keeps me active and is fun, from sports to fun American restaurant named Chucky Cheese.
Footballamericain.com: A question for the French public: If I told you “France”, what comes to your mind?
Marcus Rivers: The Eiffel Tower and love.
Footballamericain.com: Football is developing progressively in France and our Elite championship is attracting more and more ex NCAA DIV I players. What do you think of this trend?
Marcus Rivers: I love football, so it’s great to hear how people continue to do something they love and share a passion for and how football continues to grow.
Footballamericain.com: Thanks a lot for your time and wish you all the best for the coming draft. Any mean to follow you through the internet.
Marcus Rivers: “Marcus D. Rivers” on Facebook and my twitter account @Marcusrivers89. You can also follow my agency's twitter account @SymmetryReps for updates, too.