by Recruiting Guru » Sun Dec 05, 2004 11:51 pm
As receivers have gotten bigger and bigger in recent years, coaches have become enamored with bigger cornerbacks. Exhibit A: Columbus Givens. Givens might be closer to 6'0" than 6'1", but in an era in which too many teams have corners in the 5'8"-5'9" range, this is the kind of guy who can match up with the big receivers that teams are collecting at every possible chance. More than his size, this guy is an athlete. The Kangaroos' quarterback, Givens can do a little of everything. Not a great arm, but he ran an efficient offense. Very good (if not great) speed, and very good vision. As a DB, he has good hips turning very well to break on the ball with a sprinting receiver. Above average speed and leaping ability, and he has very long arms, making him very effective in the air.
Because of his athleticism and size as a DB, he's another guy whose stock is on the rise. He does need to get in the weight room, or he'll be pushed around by the stronger big receivers. Could contribute on special teams while he gets ready on defense - as a "gunner" on kick coverage, if not as a return man.