Mychal Rivera: 5 Things You Need to Know About the Tennessee TE

The University of Tennessee was loaded with receiving prospects this past season, and Mychal Rivera was one of them.

While Rivera wasn't in the same talent class as Justin Hunter or Cordarrelle Patterson, he still showed the ability to be a consistent threat on offense during his three seasons for the Volunteers. He's got the athleticism and pass-catching ability that teams currently love out of tight ends these days.

Here are some things you need to know about Rivera, the former Tennessee tight end. 

Background

Full Name: Mychal Rashawn Rivera

Birthday: September 8, 1990

Hometown: Los Angeles

High School: Birmingham High School

Major: Communication Studies

Year: Senior

Rivera was a 3-star recruit coming out of high school. He was the No. 39 overall tight end, according to Rivals.com.

Rivera helped his high school finish fourth-place in the final state rankings during his senior season.

Statistics

Mychal Rivera was often overshadowed by other receivers during his time at the University of Tennessee. However, his statistics improved in each of his three seasons, as did his overall level of play.

Rivera finished his career with 76 receptions, 1,018 yards and six touchdowns.

YEAR	REC	YDS	YDS/REC	TD
2010	11	112	10.2	0
2011	29	344	11.9	1
2012	36	562	15.6	5

All statistics courtesy of Sports-Reference.com.

Draft Process

Measurables

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 242 lbs.

Arm Length: 32-5/8"

Hand Size: 10-1/4"

Combine Results

40-yard dash: 4.81 seconds

Bench press: 17 reps

Vertical jump: 31"

Broad jump: 112"

3 cone drill: 7.17 seconds

20-yard shuttle: 4.43 seconds

While his overall showing at the combine wasn't overly impressive, Mychal Rivera did well enough in his position drills to warrant interest from NFL teams. Rivera stuck by his times at the Tennessee pro day, but once again showed good hands during pass-catching drills.

All combine results courtesy of NFL.com.

Interesting Facts

There is a good possibility that even if Mychal Rivera becomes a top tight end in the NFL, he still won't be the most famous member of his family. 

Rivera's sister, Naya Rivera, played Santana Lopez on the extremely popular show Glee. She was a main-cast member for the second, third and fourth seasons.

While the NFL is certainly a popular sport, TV stars and movie stars always win the popularity contest.

Observations

It's rare for college players to know who is going to draft them, but Mychal Rivera is hoping that he'll get drafted by his former coach, Derek Dooley. According to Wes Rucker of GoVols247.com, Rivera had this to say about who he wants to play for:

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Former Vols TE Mychal Rivera: "I'm trying to tell Dooley to draft me. I'm thinking I got an in there (with the Cowboys), but we'll see."

— Wes Rucker (@wesrucker247) March 20, 2013

 

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Rucker has also praised Rivera for how likable of an individual he is:

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Scouts at the NFL Combine will enjoy speaking with former Vols Dallas Thomas and Mychal Rivera. Hard not to like those two.

— Wes Rucker (@wesrucker247) February 21, 2013

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The common perception about Rivera is that he won't be high draft pick, but he'll be an all-round player in the NFL:

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As I finish up this vid, one last quick take on another UT guy I dig: Mychal Rivera. Just an all-around solid, day 3 TE prospect. I'm a fan.

— BigRon (@BigRon281) April 18, 2013

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