Keith Rivers overlooked?

He’s already received Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Week this year, but the man who wears the number of Junior Seau (#55), Willie McGinest (#55), and Chris Claiborne (#55), has yet to reach that level of recognition.

But we are hearing his name, his number, more and more…

It’s certainly popping up around USC’s practice field, and in a lot of different places. Coach Pete Carroll has had Rivers play all three spots plus the middle in nickel situations.

“It’s really helped him to understand what’s going on and he has great awareness,” Carroll said. “It’s hard to measure that because it allows guys to play faster. Not just the recognition of the plays as you look across the line of scrimmage, but understanding what’s expected of you.”

“He had a couple of tremendous plays today in the team period that were as good as you can do things. He plays like a real veteran.”

Let Rivers continue to flow, and he will make his mark in the echelon of great #55’s to play linebacker at USC.

Rivers in flow, looking like star [Daily Breeze]