Derek Rivers
Introduction
Derek Rivers (born May 9, 1994) is an American football defensive end for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Youngstown State.
Early years
Born in Augusta, Maine, Rivers and his family moved to North Carolina when he was five months old. Rivers later attended Kinston High School in Kinston. After high school, he attended Fork Union Military Academy for a year.
College career
Rivers played at Youngstown State from 2013 to 2016. During his career he had a school record 41 career sacks, including 14 as a senior. He accumulated 56.5 tackles for loss, 47 QB hurries and 119 solo tackles in his college career at Youngstown State. As a Senior, Rivers lead one of the top statistically rated defenses in the FCS to the National Championship where they would lose to James Madison University 24-14. Rivers was a three time 1st Team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference performer as well as a two time FCS All-American. Rivers finished his career #5 All-Time in FCS history in career sacks.
Professional career
Rivers was drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round, 83rd overall, in the 2017 NFL Draft. During training camp, Rivers suffered a torn ACL and was ruled out for the season. He was officially placed on injured reserve on September 2, 2017.