Louisiana Football: Interview with Captain Shreve 2018 DE Colyn Givens
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
In 2016, Captain Shreve High School had a young team full of talented juniors and sophomores. However, the Gators still finished 5-5 but that was a two-win improvement from 2015 helping clinch a spot in the Louisiana 5A state playoffs. Unfortunately, Captain Shreve was knocked out by their district rival, Parkway, in the first weekend of playoff action. The run to the playoffs along with a roster full of returning talent has created a lot of buzz and placed high expectations on the Shreveport team entering the 2017 season. A key player on the team to watch for this fall is Colyn Givens.
The Gators are chomping at the bit to get their season started because they have a veteran team with plenty of experience ready to take the field. One of the leaders of the defense is Givens, their senior defensive end. The 6’3”, 240 pound, athlete had a tremendous junior season as he racked up 52 total tackles including six sacks with two forced fumbles. Givens also had a few opportunities on the offensive side of the ball at fullback as he ran the ball three times for 10 yards and scored a rushing touchdown against Pineville.
The class of 2018 star currently has two college offers but is also receiving interest from several other schools including Kansas State and Southern Miss.
The senior big man not only works hard on the football field but also in the classroom where he has a 3.5 GPA and wants to study either business or sports management in college.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with Colyn to discuss his career at Captain Shreve and his recruiting process.
Interview
What are your thoughts on your Individual performance last year?
“I improved from my sophomore year. I got bigger and stronger and my technique was amazing throughout the year.”
What are your thoughts of your team from last year?
“We greatly improved. We were a tough team for everyone to play. We gave Evangel and Parkway a run for their money.”
How did it feel to beat your archrival, C.E. Byrd?
“It was amazing. The school hadn’t done it in a while. My cousin plays for Byrd, so I got to rub it in his face.”
What is your strength on the football field?
“My technique, my mindset and leadership.”
Did you receive any individual honors?
“Second team All-District.”
What was your most memorable moment from last year?
“During the first game of the year they put me in at fullback and I scored my first touchdown against Pineville.”
Do you have any offers?
“Yes, Southern and Northeastern State.”
Are you receiving interest from any other schools?
“McNeese State, Kansas State, Grambling State, Northwestern State, ULM, Southeastern and Southern Miss.”
Have you been on any college visits?
“Yes. I’ve been to Southern Miss. I loved the campus and the atmosphere at Southern Miss. I will also be visiting Southern soon.”
Have you attended any college camps?
“Yes. I’ve been to camps at Louisiana-Lafayette, Northwestern State, East Texas Showcase, and I will be attending Southern Arkansas and Arkansas-Monticello camps in the coming weeks.”
How does Captain Shreve look preparing for the upcoming season?
“We look really good especially our defense. We have some great experience on the team and everyone looks great.”
What game on this year’s schedule are you most looking forward to playing?
“Evangel, because I grew up with those kids and I was supposed to go there. I feel like we can give them a run for their money.”
What is your GPA?
“3.5.”
What do you want to study in college?
“Business or Sports Medicine.”
Who do you try to model your game after?
“I try to model my game after LSU outside linebacker Arden Key, because he’s long and I want to move to linebacker.”
What have you, personally, worked on the most to prepare for the upcoming season?
“I have been working on my speed and strength.”
Have you set any goals for the upcoming season?
“This year I want to have a home playoff game and compete for a district title.”
When will you commit to a college?
“I will commit after the season.”
Thank you for your time and good luck in your senior season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: Abby Parish; Givens No. 90 makes a play against Loyola
Photo credit: Abby Parish; Givens and his teammates kneel for a pregame prayer