ATLANTA — His wait has been extended. His goal hasn't changed. His confidence hasn't wavered.

Roland Rivers III still believes he has a future in the NFL.

“Still trusting the process,” the former Slippery Rock University quarterback said.

Despite winning the Harlon Hill Trophy as the best football player in NCAA Division II in 2019, throwing 80 touchdown passes in two seasons, rushing for 1,297 yards and 16 touchdowns in 26 games, Rivers has yet to find a pro training camp to call home.

There were 13 quarterbacks selected in the NFL draft. A couple of others have been signed as undrafted free agents.

Rivers' name was not among them.

“I was disappointed not to hear my name called, and especially not to be signed by somebody that weekend,” Rivers admitted. “But I know what I'm up against. There are no Division II quarterbacks in the NFL right now. It's been years since one was drafted.

“Quarterback is one of the top 10 positions in all of sports. It's up to me to prove I belong. This is just more adversity and I'm used to facing adversity in my life.”

The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Rivers tore the labrum in his throwing shoulder midway through his collegiate career. He missed the entire 2017 season before transferring from Valdosta State to SRU.

Because he arrived at Slippery Rock late, he began the 2018 campaign as The Rock's third-string quarterback.

“I had to be patient then and I have to be patient now,” Rivers said.

The last Division II quarterback to be on an NFL roster was Luis Perez out of Texas A&M Commerce. He was signed as a free agent by the Los Angeles Rams in 2018 and played in a preseason game that year. He was signed and released by the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions in 2019, but never suited up for either.

No Division II quarterback has been drafted by an NFL team since 2011.

“Coaches are hired and fired by the play of their quarterbacks,” SRU coach Shawn Lutz. “That's the one position, even today, where Division II players can't seem to crack through.

“I'm shocked Roland hasn't been signed by now, though. His abilities are very real. The way he's handling this whole situation is a reflection of his character and leadership.”

Rivers' agent has been in steady communication with him since the draft concluded.

“He told me a number of teams are lined up to look at me, but they all want a private workout,” Rivers said. “With this pandemic going on and NFL facilities closed up, that can't happen right now.

“My agent believes something will break for me in the next two to three weeks. There are no mini-camps or OTA's going on this year, so there's no rush for teams to sign people.”

Rivers added that his agent told him “there's been 100 fewer nondrafted free agents signed than at this time last year.”

So Rivers continues to work out. He continues to prepare.

He continues to keep the faith.

“Roland knows he can try the CFL (Canadian Football League) and try to create an opportunity for himself that way,” Lutz said. “But I know his mindset right now. He's going to exhaust every avenue he can to get into an NFL camp until there are no avenues left.”

Rivers has no problem with playing that out.

“I know I can play,” he said. “I want to be a pioneer for Division II quarterbacks. I've got something to prove in that regard. My time will come.”