Parkston’s Riley Reiff Starts at Left Tackle for Detroit Lions Sunday Against the Minnesota Vikings

It will be a dream come true, and possibly a nightmare, all-in-one for Parkston native Riley Reiff Sunday when the Detroit Lions host the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field.

The former Iowa Hawkeye is the new starting left tackle in Detroit, the new protector of quarterback Matthew Stafford's blindside.

His first assignment? Block Jared Allen.

Reiff told Chris McCosky of the Detroit News the words excited and nervous come to mind:

I'd put both of those together.

I think any competitor gets nervous.

I think if you didn't get nervous you wouldn't have that (competitiveness) in you; you wouldn't be where you are at today.

 

Allen has dominated Detroit left tackles over the years, with 14.5 sacks, 44 tackles, four forced fumbles and an interception against the Lions since joining the Vikings in 2008.

Lions head coach Jim Schwartz has confidence in Detroit's first round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft:

That’s going to be a tough matchup.

Reiff's first start was last year on Thanksgiving (against Houston).

He had some tough matchups on that game, too, and he did a good job in there.

Every time we put him in a game, he has gotten the job done for us.

Riley is a young player, but he’s a very mature player.

He’s a smart guy.

He’s still growing and developing.

He’s very serious about what he does and we’re in good hands with him at left tackle.

Kickoff Sunday is at noon.