Texas Tech University - La Ventana Yearbook

“The legend of ' Senor Sack ' Bigger-than-life defen- sive lineman won All- America honors while leading the Tech defense. Since he first chased University of Southern California quarterback Paul McDonald out of bounds in his first col- legiate appearance in 1979, Gabriel " Seiior Sack " Rivera has become kvell-known to Texas Tech students and admired by Red Raider football fans. This is his story. Gabe, as he is known to fans, was ' ecruited in 1979 by Donnie _aurence. a member of former head roach Rex Dockery ' s staff, on a full scholarship and remained that way all ' our years at Tech. His official position A/as defensive tackle, but he played all :hree defensive lineman slots. His list of honors alone could fill a A/ho ' s Who book in collegiate football. Rivera was named 1st team All- american by the Associated Press; 1st eam All-American by Kodak — vhich is selected by the American -ootball Coaches Association: 1st eam All-American by Mizlou Televi- sion; 2nd team All-American by the Jnited Press International; 2nd team Mi-American by " Football News. " ind 2nd team All-American by the " Jewspaper Editors ' Association. The Associated Press picked Rivera is Southwest Conference Defensive ' layer of the Year in 1982. A consen- us All-SWC selection. Rivera was lamed Sports lllustrated ' s Defensive Player of the week and the Associated Press Defensive Lineman of the Week following his performance in last year ' s Washington game. His speed was clocked at 4.7 in three consecutive 40-yard dash trials. But Tech ' s 10th All-American. and first since Dan Irons in 1977, almost missed his senior year of football. He was dropped from the team at the conclusion of his junior year by coach Jerry Moore for violations of team rules, and his football career was a question mark. Rather than quit, though, the San Antonio Thomas Jefferson High School product came back like a wild man possessed. He dominated like never before. " It (the suspension) kind of settled me down. " Rivera said. " It made me realize the things in life that are important. " Rivera rejoined the Red Raiders and picked up right where he left off — making tackles. Sefior Sack made 105 tackles in 1982 bringing his career total to 321 stops, an all-time Texas Tech high. He also broke up eight passes, sacked the quarterback five times and caused two fumbles. Rivera saved the best for last and made 19 tackles against Houston, his last game as a collegiate. The Cougars from Houston had nothing but praise for the near 300- pound lineman following that season finale. " Rivera is one great player, " Houston coach Bill Yeoman said. " He ' s as visible as any one man in the Southwest Conference. " " As far as I ' ve seen, he ' s the top player in the league. He ' s better than Billy Ray Smith (All-American from the University of Arkansas) and everybody, " Houston quarterback Lionel Wilson said. So what ' s in the future for Gabe? Maybe University of Washington of- fensive tackle Don Dow forecast it best. " He will make somebody a tremen- dous NFL noseguard. " — Dennis Ball A second too lateT All-American Gabriel Rivera restrains himself from pouncing on a Baylor player during the Homecoming game and avoids a 15-yard penalty for a late hit Darrel Tiiomas SenoT Sack — 13 ”