LSU Football: Making the Case for Stephen Rivers at Backup

For the first time in a long time, the LSU Tigers will have an impact player starting at quarterback. But what happens if Zach Mettenberger gets injured or has trouble with the law?

No worries. Stephen Rivers is more than capable of carrying the torch.

I would argue that the Tigers are loaded at quarterback this year simply because they have Mettenberger and Rivers. Don't get me wrong—Mettenberger is the guy, as he should be.

He provides the Tigers' offense deep-threat capability, and if he lives up to the hype he's going to be a great one. But should he somehow get replaced by Rivers, Tiger fans need not fret, and here's why.

Ability To Step Up in Big Moments

Granted, Rivers has yet to be given an opportunity at LSU, but he's already shown in high school that he can relish the moment.

In the 2010 Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic, Rivers was named the Most Valuable Player for his stellar performance.

Rivers led the Alabama squad to a 24-17 victory, as he completed 14-of-24 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown. His performance against some pretty stiff competition gives me confidence that he could one day lead the Tigers against great competition in the SEC.

Accuracy in High School

Rivers is an accurate passer.

He had the ability to manipulate the pocket and use his quick release and accuracy time and time again to put the ball on the money in high school.

It's what made Rivers a highly-touted quarterback coming out of high school.

The pro-style quarterback was ranked as the No. 35 quarterback by Scout.com, and learning under a guy like Steve Kragthorpe will only sharpen his skills at the collegiate level.

Intelligence

Rivers not only provides athleticism, but he's an intelligent guy.

This is something that I think all LSU fans can appreciate, given the fact that we've had to endure three years of Jordan Jefferson calling the shots under center.

As a redshirt freshman last year, Rivers picked up on the offense fairly quickly. Given the fact that he's had all of that time to learn the offense plus spring ball to learn the schemes, Rivers should be well versed in the knowledge of LSU's offense.

Expect to see that intelligence translate to great decision making on the field.

No Off-Field Issues

It's necessary to have a dependable quarterback leading your team.

Don't believe me? I believe I can change your mind with two words—Ryan Perrilloux.

Perrilloux was supposed to lead the Tigers after Matt Flynn in 2008, but because he had so many off-field issues, he was let go by the team.

This forced Jarrett Lee into the starting position before he was ready, and we all know how that turned out. But Rivers seems to be in the right frame of mind, and getting in trouble is something you shouldn't have to worry about with him.

This is a quality that is underrated, but just like Sammy Watkins and Marquel Wade have shown us this offseason, it's a much-needed quality.

It's in His Blood

Perhaps Rivers' most attractive characteristic is his bloodline.

Rivers is the little brother of San Diego Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers, and if he can follow in his brother's footsteps, he's going to be a dandy.

Stephen is already learning from a great mentor in Kragthorpe, and having a guy like Phillip on speed dial can only help.

I'm sure Phillip works with him a lot to help him mature as a quarterback, and if he can influence his little brother like Peyton Manning did for Eli, then the Tigers are in for some good quarterback play for years to come.