Rivera Named Suffolk Division I Preseason Defensive Player of the Year

The James C. Metzger Suffolk County Chapter of the National Football Foundation (NFF) recently named William Floyd High School senior defensive end Jake Rivera its Division I Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

Rivera was selected by a panel of local coaches and was officially recognized as the inaugural recipient during the NFF’s annual Media Day event in late August.

The Colonials star is coming off an incredible 2025 season in which he recorded 71 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 16 sacks and one fumble recovery. His efforts helped William Floyd finish the regular season undefeated and reach the Suffolk County Championship Game for the fourth consecutive year.

Rivera was recognized for his outstanding season by being named to the New York State Sportswriters Association (NYSSWA) Class AA Defensive First Team. He also received the inaugural Bryan Collins Award as Suffolk County’s best defensive lineman and was named an All-County honoree.

“Jake is a leader on and off the field, whether it’s in the classroom, weight room, practice field or during games; he is a force to be reckoned with,” said Pete Friedman, head coach of the varsity football team. “Jake is someone we can lean on to guide and mentor the newer players, as his presence and experience is unmatched.”

This season, Rivera will lead a Colonials team facing the challenge of replacing 26 seniors from last year’s squad. Despite the turnover, Rivera believes the players stepping into bigger roles are ready for the challenge.

“We lost a lot of guys, but our mindset going into this year is next man up,” Rivera said. “We know we have a bunch of guys that can go out there and make plays, and we’re confident in our ability.”

When I spoke with Rivera at Media Day, what stood out immediately was his quiet confidence. He didn’t need to be the loudest person in the room to make an impression. His leadership was evident in the way he spoke about his teammates, the responsibility he feels heading into the season and the confidence he has in the players around him.

Now, Rivera will look to lead a new group of Colonials while trying to build on a remarkable 2025 season.