Dustin Rivera

Center / Southwestern College

Christopher Reiss: What are your measurements? (Height and Weight)

Dustin Rivera: 5’11, 280lbs.

Christopher Reiss: During COVID-19, what have you been doing this offseason to prepare for the upcoming season?

Dustin Rivera: I do not have the equipment that I wish I had, but I was able to do some body weight workouts. I was able to go in the yard and do some running drills and was able to work on my technique. Technique wise I worked on my hand placement, my snaps, and done a lot of footwork drills. I would also go running around my neighborhood to stay in shape, as well.

Christopher Reiss: When breaking down your film, what should stand out?

Dustin Rivera: When you watch my tape, you will see my overall technique is very good for a guy my size. My footwork and my hands are the strong suit of my game. I am also very good at coming off the double team and going to the next level. 

Christopher Reiss: Coming out of high school, what schools showed interest in you?

Dustin Rivera: I had two offers coming out of high school for football, Southwestern College and Missouri Valley.

Christopher Reiss: In high school, what other positions did you play besides Center?

Dustin Rivera: I played all positions on the offensive line. I mainly started at right guard in high school. I played center for a few games and played left tackle for a game. I am familiar with all positions on the line.

Christopher Reiss: In high school, what other sports did you play besides football?

Dustin Rivera: I did wresting. I actually had an offer to go do wresting in college, but I turned that down to play football. I also did track and field and the event that I did was shot put.

Christopher Reiss: What are the expectations for Southwestern College for this upcoming season?

Dustin Rivera: The expectation for us this year would have to finish every game with the same energy as you had coming into the game. We lost games that we should win because of players not finishing the full game out. If we finished every game out last season, we should have had at least eight wins and not only five. The little things will make the difference. I would love for us to win the conference, but we have to learn to finish games out first than worry about winning the conference.

Christopher Reiss: Is there anyone on your team that we should keep our eye out for this season?

Dustin Rivera: RB Keyshawn Wyatt and MLB Grant Torgerson. 

Christopher Reiss: How would you describe your overall career?

Dustin Rivera: Football has been a wild ride. My freshman year, I only knew one person at the entire school. That was my friend that committed with me. I had this ‘crazy’ coach, his teaching ways were different, but they worked for us. One issue with Southwestern College is that you only hear the negative and not the good. I am really thankful to be able to play with the same school for the last five years. This is an experience that I will never forget for the rest of my life.

Christopher Reiss: What is the highlight of your college football career?

Dustin Rivera: In the 2017-2018 season, we played against a defensive tackle that was an All-American player. I had the pleasure to be able to guard him, which I think was the best thing for me. I learned a lot that game. The game was just difficult. We had to find all the way down to the end. Our running back at the time was a machine. Coach would just call plays for him and he would produce. We started to run the ball right down the middle, a ground and pound game. We ended up winning and having almost the entire school at the game was pretty awesome. That is a game, I will remember until the day that I die.

Christopher Reiss: What are some assets of your game that you are trying to improve on?

Dustin Rivera: I am working on becoming more of a leader for my team and also working on becoming more mentally tough. When we have these 15 play drives, you feel dead. The issue is I do not want to feel dead. I want to be the player that still has the high motor and being the vocal leader on the field. Mental toughness and becoming a leader go hand in hand. When we are down in the game, I want to be the leader on the field. I want to tell them that we are not out of this game. We all need to come together and score on this drive.

Christopher Reiss: What do you enjoy most about football?

Dustin Rivera: This is the one sport that I can be as violent as I want and not get in trouble. This sport is also very therapeutic for me. There is nothing like going on the field and being able to run over someone play after play.

Christopher Reiss: What are you majoring in?

Dustin Rivera: I am majoring in physical education with a minor in mathematics.

Christopher Reiss: What does life after football look like for you?

Dustin Rivera: If the NFL does not work out, I want to be a coach. I had a coach that really fought for me to come to this program that I currently play for. I want to do the same for younger athletes and make their dreams come true just like mine.

Christopher Reiss: What or who motivates you?

Dustin Rivera: My teammates motivate me to keep going. They tell me all the time that I can make it to the NFL one day. My mom always supports me through everything. She wants me to do what is best for me. She tells me all the time that I can do it, so I do believe that I can do it.

Christopher Reiss: Is there a player in the NFL that you look up to?

Dustin Rivera: Quenton Nelson, Mike Pouncey, and Jason Kelce.

Christopher Reiss: What is your favorite NFL team?

Dustin Rivera: Los Angeles Chargers.  

Christopher Reiss: Who is your favorite football player of all-time?

Dustin Rivera: It has to be LaDainian Tomlinson. When I used to watch football all the time, he was the guy that stood out to me.

Christopher Reiss: What are some hobbies of yours?

Dustin Rivera: I enjoy hanging out with my teammates and my friends. I am a big movie guy. I like to live in the moment.

Christopher Reiss: On game-day, what is your go-to artist?

Dustin Rivera: I have to say Kanye West.