Altoona Linebacker Shows Flashes of Lavar
by Ayo Fapohunda
Posted January 14, 2014 8:20 pm
Alabama, American football, American football in the United States, Givens, Happy Valley, head coach, injury, James Franklin, Kevin Givens, LaVar Arrington, linebacker in the state of PA, National Football League, nfl, pennsylvania, Sports, Sports in the United States
Photo courtesy of 247sports.com
With National signing day right around the corner, Preps.com has started to delve into the class of 2015 and 2016. A couple weeks ago we finally had the opportunity to evaluate some of the WPIAL’s top players in 2015 and found a gem, that although has received a few BCS offers, is still flying somewhat under the radar.
Anybody from Western PA knows that when you mention the name Lavar Arrington its not taken lightly. Arguably the most talented physical specimen that has ever graced a WPIAL field, Arrington continued on to have a illustrious career in Happy Valley and had his promising NFL career cut short due to injury.
Altoona not particularly known for producing immense D1 talent is the home of 6’3 230 pound horse Kevin Givens. We first saw him last year as a sophomore, but weren’t ready to crown him top linebacker in the state of PA. After watching his highlight tape from his junior year, not only are we ready to crown him top LB in the state, but also believe he may be one of the most intriguing prospects in the country.
With offers only from Pitt and Temple, don’t be surprised to start seeing Givens receiving some major D1 attention from the likes of Ohio State, Alabama, and of course nearby Penn State once staffs refocus on class of 2015. With the size, speed, and strength that all coaches are looking for, Givens has to be one of the better looking linebacker prospects we’ve seen in this area in years.
With college coaches so focused on size and speed these days it seems like unless your 6’3 220 plus, nobody has any interest. Fortunately for Givens he fits the billing and with the tenacity and aggression he shows on his tape, major BCS coaches will surely be salivating when they pay the backer a visit.
With new Penn State head coach James Franklin saying that his goal is to dominate the state of Pennsylvania, it would be in his best interest to take a drive down Route 99 and close down on Givens before everyone else in the country discovers him.
Below is Givens Junior Year Highlight tape
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Alabama, American football, American football in the United States, Givens, Happy Valley, head coach, injury, James Franklin, Kevin Givens, LaVar Arrington, linebacker in the state of PA, National Football League, nfl, pennsylvania, Sports, Sports in the United States