2024 Interview with Riverview (PA.) True ATH: Qb, Wr, Db Rio Stotts

 

Rio Stotts

Riverview 

26’

Jersey
3

True ATH: Qb, Wr, Db

5’9 165 

Other sports that you play?
Basketball and track

Let's talk about awards won or earned.

I started really learning and loving the game of football in flag football. In flag, our travel team was the best team in the nation for years; for 2-3 years in a row, we were ranked number 1 in the nation back to back! I also got blessed to get the MVP award named after me in that league, but in my high school career, I also got blessed to start varsity my freshman and sophomore years. I also lettered both years, started on both sides of the ball each year, and racked up 22 touchdowns and 9 interceptions so far in my high school career! 

What or who got you started playing football?

My mom wanted me to start playing at a young age so I could get taught how to be a multisport athlete at a young age and how to balance a student-athlete life.

As a player, do fans, the band, and cheerleaders get the team fired up?

Our band is great! In my opinion, probably the best in single A! Hearing them play music, especially when we score, always gets me hyped to go score another touchdown!

What is the worst weather to play in? 

I don’t think any weather is terrible when I am playing football, but if I had to choose, it would be when it snows.

What is the best part of being a student-athlete at Riverview High School?

This is a hard one because there are so many good things about being a Riverview student athlete. I would probably say the community; I love the small town environment; everyone knows everyone and helps each other out if needed; and everyone shows a lot of support!

What is the worst part of a Riverview practice?

In my opinion, there isn’t any worst part of practice; it’s all mental. That’s where you learn, get better, and fix your mistakes, but if I had to choose something, it would be not having lines on our practice field.

What do you believe is the strongest part of your game?

I would say my knowledge of the game, but my athleticism is a big help. Knowing what the opponent is going to do before the play makes everything so much easier. 

Who is the best player that you have faced in a game, along with the team he played for?

I would probably name Braylon Lovelace from Leechburgh; he was a student of the game, he knew where the ball was going every play, and he also had great size to complement his athleticism and knowledge of the game.

What was the highlight of the 2023 season?

There were so many great memories I made over my sophomore season this year. I would probably say the time when we came back 21-0 at halftime against our school rival, Springdale.

Which position do you believe you are best at? 

I believe I play best when I am at wide receiver; that’s the position I played growing up, but now my varsity team has me playing QB for the next 2 years!! 

Which game are you looking forward to the most this season? Explain

I have a lot of games on my hit list this year, but the one I am most excited for is Valley. It’s the first game of the year, and that’s the time our team is going to prove to everyone who we are and that we aren’t the same old team! 

Would you rather start the season with your rival or play them in the final week of the season? Explain

I would rather have to play our rivals for the last game of the year; that’s what we did the last two years. I always look forward to that game every year to dominate Springdale!!

What is your game-day routine?

I always eat spaghetti the day before a game, then go to bed super early the night before to get a good night's rest.

What is your favorite animal?

I would probably say a turtle! I also wanted to have one, and growing up, I loved the ninja turtles.

If you could live in any era in history, when would it be?

I would love to go back to ancient Egypt or Rome. I love the history there, and I would love to see how history unfolds there.

What goes on with your burger?

I love burgers; that’s one of my top 3 favorite foods. I love everything that goes on burgers, except pickles. I hate pickles!!