After spending a season as a Savannah State University football player, former Long County Blue Tide wide receiver Ricky Rivera is headed to Middle Georgia College to pursue his true passion basketball.

Rivera said he is already in the Warriors’ team dorm rooms and is finalizing his walk on process with the coaches.

"They recruited me out of high school, but I had already signed to SSU for football," he said. "As far as athletics go, this is a better fit for me. I’m better prepared for basketball, collegiate wise, than I was for football."

"He is excited about it," Coastal Crew Rebels founder Ernie Walthour said about his former player’s transition back to basketball. "I met with him last week and we are working to make sure he gets there."

The pre-physical therapy student said he is starting over, but the college coaches and players have accepted him to the team.

Rivera said he would love to play in the NBA or European league, but is happy to be able to complete his studies which would keep him involved around the sport he loves.