By LEE BRECHEEN, Louisiana Football Magazine
There’s always sleeper defensive linemen coming out of Louisiana every year, and this year I think the biggest sleeper at this position in the Shreveport-Bossier area is Cade Givens of Captain Shreve.
Givens and the Gators take the field tonight at Lee Hedges Stadium against a talented Evangel squad tonight. I’d love to watch that one and see Givens battling that Eagles offensive front.
Givens goes 6-1, 280 pounds with 5.0 speed in the 40-yard dash. He stands out in the weight room with a bench press max of 315 pounds and he squats 500 pounds.
His older brother, Ckelby, was not highly recruited coming out of Captain Shreve, but he’s made a name for himself as a junior defensive end at Southern. Last year, Ckelby was an FCS All-American in 2023 with 61 tackles, 21 tackles for loss and seven sacks. He is the best defensive player in the SWAC and, some think, the best in all of FCS.
Like his brother, Cade has a chance to be become great in college one day. Cade also carries a 3.8 GPA in the classroom. I think this kid is so athletic, he can play all three spots on the defensive line in college: defensive end, defensive tackle and noseguard.
His defensive line coach with the Gators, L’Anthony Davis, has plenty of praise for his prize pupil.
“It’s been a tremendous honor to coach Cade. He’s someone that an offensive coordinator will have to game plan against because of his disruptive nature. He controls the line of scrimmage in 1-on-1 matchups and even fights off double teams.
‘His stats may not always show it because of the double teams, but his impact is always felt. I think any college that gets him will be getting an exceptional player, but even a better young man.”
Givens appreciates where he is now and is very motivated to take his talents to the next level.
“It’s a blessing to play football and compete everyday with my teammates. Both my brothers went D-I so I must continue the legacy. Going through this recruiting process has been very exciting, especially building the relationships,” he said. “I dreamed of these moments as a kid and God has put it into action.”
Givens recently made an unofficial visit to Northwestern State in Natchitoches, with two more set up to Southern and Nicholls State. He appreciates the opportunities and knows he’s gotten help and inspiration from those around him – especially big brother Ckelby.
“I have much respect for all my former teammates,” he said. “The one that I am closest to is my brother Ckelby. It was a blessing to play with him as a freshman (his senior year). Ckelby has always motivated me to be great as an athlete, student, and Christian young man. He has worked hard to become who he is. And as the youngest brother it encourages me to work hard and be better than him.”
Ckelby was named the Preseason SWAC Defensive Player of the Year, so matching that level of play is ambitious. But I won’t be surprised if Cade rises to a very productive level in college.
Contact Lee at lbrecheen@aol.com
Lee Brecheen has been covering high school football and recruiting in Louisiana since the early ‘90s. He is owner of Louisiana Football Magazine and can be followed on X @LeeBrecheen. He hosts a YouTube show, The Sports Scouting Report with Lee Brecheen. Previews of all state high schools are available on lafootballmagazine.com.