The town of Chillicothe, Ohio has produced some fine football players in the
past, and it looks like there will be another Division I prospect next year.
Wide receiver/safety Chris Givens stands in at 6-3, 190 pounds and has the
speed (4.47) to go with it. He is already getting attention from several
programs.
"Ohio State, Iowa, Wisconsin, Boston College, Northwestern, and Alabama
are all sending me mail," he said. "I went to Miami of Ohio,
Cincinnati and Akron camps last summer. I am going to Nike, Michigan, and Ohio
State this summer."
Givens has an interesting list of early schools.
"Ohio State, Miami (Ohio), Wisconsin and Northwestern would be my top
schools," he said.
Miami (Ohio) could be a big player for Givens's signature.
"I have a brother and sister at Miami of Ohio," he said. "The
academics are top drawer. I can't stress enough that academics will be the
deciding factor on what I decide to do."
Indeed, Givens will be focusing heavily on the academic side of things. He
hopes to major in business administration and has a 3.1 GPA and just took the
ACT last Saturday. He also realizes there is life after football.
"The academics are going to be very important," he said. "Good
coaches and nice campus will be important. I want a campus where I can focus on
my studies.
"I am most interested in my education. I would love to play in the NFL
but I know that is a dream. I am going to college to get an education."
Givens played all over the place for his team this year, including some at
quarterback.
"We were young this year," he said. "We went 2-8. I had over
1000 yards, four touchdowns and 60 tackles and one interception. I played QB for
about six games until one of the freshmen was seasoned enough to step in."
What position would he like to play in college?
"I would rather be a receiver but it really doesn't matter," he
said. "I will play safety."
Givens is also active with sports in the winter and spring.
"I play basketball and track," he said. "This time of year I
am mostly working with my track coach to improve my speed."
Look for Givens to make a commitment well in advance of signing day.
"I would like to get my commitment out of the way," he said.
"Early in season at the latest, but it depends on who is offering. If I see
better offers coming I could wait."