BLACKSBURG - Virginia Tech starting linebacker Barquell Rivers underwent successful surgery Thursday to repair his left quadriceps tendon, as released by head athletic trainer Mike Goforth, and expected to miss five to six months.

“Knowing Barquell Rivers, with his toughness and raw strength, we are confident he will have a successful rehab over the summer and will be back to help us in the 2010 season,” Goforth said.

Goforth said Rivers will miss the upcoming spring practice, and is questionable for the start of fall practice in August, but is expected to make a full recovery.

Rivers, from Wadesboro, N.C., had 96 tackles, including 6.5 for a loss, and a fumble recovery in his first year as a starter this past season. Rivers is a rising junior.