Last week we got to talk to former CB/WR/PR/KR/Leader of the WVU Mountaineers and played during the most controversial and successful period in WVU Football, Vaughn Rivers. Vaughn was a semi local talent from Pittsburgh, Pa and we were lucky to get this kid who had so much heart. Personally I was a fan of his from the first time I met him, some people just have it and some don’t and if he was just a little bigger he would be the best Corner out of Pittsburgh, not that Revis clown who hurt his ego not his hamstring when he got Moss’d. So with that being said here is what we got to kick to Vaughn …

Couch Fire Sports: What have you been up to since you left Morgantown after the 2007 season and graduation?
Vaughn Rivers: I went back home to the Pittsburgh, had daughter born shortly after, endured a major family tragedy and have just been working with youth & adolescents trying to positively impact their lives.

CFS: How do you remember your times at WVU?
VR: Alot of crazy, wild, exciting times mixed with relentless hard work, much success, and some disappointments! Overall I couldn’t have asked for a better or more unique college experience.

CFS: Your WVU career spanned the most successful period in the programs history, what was your favorite moment?
VR: Damn so many moments, both BCS wins were special, both triple OT wins vs Rutgers and Louisville, and so many off field memories that we just gonna have to leave in Motown!

CFS: How do you feel about the negative light that is shed upon WVU with all the Rich Rodriguez drama?
VR: Alot of propaganda you know alot of behind the scenes issues the public really never knew about. Some things that never get brought to light but the loyalty of the West Virginia faithful is incomparable and I can also understand their feelings of betrayal.

CFS: If you talked to Coach Rod on the phone, what would you have to say to him? Hey Coach …
VR: I would tell him as I always have and always do, thank you for the opportunity you gave me and the work ethic you installed in us.

CFS: Tell us a story we never heard about the team, or something that happened during a game.
VR: So many stories bra, wouldn’t know where to start or finish plus I’m not really trying to incriminate me or none of my partners like that, lol! Alot of wild shit bra, you already know!

CFS: What was it like being the smallest guys on the field at all times?
VR: Being the smallest guy on the field constantly presented its challenges. It was like having a target on my jersey every game, but it was a challenge I welcomed each and every time as a opportunity to prove all the doubters wrong and with that same token prove my family and fans right and I also knew that my heart would always make up for what my stature lacked.

CFS: When you were waiting for a punt to come down to you, what goes through your mind?
VR: In those 4-5 seconds there’s not much of a thought process but I guess it was like this: hope I don’t get killed looking up here for this ball, give me a few blocks, and I HAVE TO SCORE.

CFS: Growing up in Pittsburgh, who were you a fan of?
VR: Of course that Black and Gold franchise, personally though Barry Sanders and Deion Sanders.

CFS: Who was the best player you ever played against?
VR: Mannnnn I don’t know bra thats a tough one. Played against over 30 1st rounders alone in my 4 year career but I would probably have to say Calvin Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald.

CFS: You were a solid basketball player, did you ever consider going somewhere to play basketball?
VR: I did consider taking a few basketball offers for a short period of time my senior year in high school but football has always been where my heart is at. Could’ve probably went the basketball or baseball route, but I always loved football so that’s the route I had to follow.

CFS: Favorite place to eat in Morgantown?
VR: Hahaha damn during the time we was there out of the 5 different choices lol I would probably say the Outback Steakhouse.

CFS: What you got in the CD Player right now?
VR: Yo Gotti – White World

P.S. – Wikipedia lists Vaughn at 5’9” 170lbs, I am not saying anything here, but that is his good days. You people have no idea how much heart this dude had to do what he did. He also ended his senior season with 479 punt return yards, the most in a single-season in school history at that time.