[FONT=Arial]Gainesville High School (FL) has produced several highly praised recruits over the past few years. A 2012 prospect from Gainesville H.S.,[URL=”http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Chris-Bivins-116358″]Chris Bivins[/URL], is one of the latest high profile recruits to play for the Hurricanes. Bivins, a 5’11”, 166-pound cornberback, shared how his junior season played out.
“Last season went really well. At the end of the season, I had about 60 tackles, four interceptions, one touchdown, and fumble recovery. My team did really well; we went 11-3 and made it all the way to the Final Four. The team we lost to won state.”
Due to such a successful season, Bivins started talking to many prestigious college football programs. He has received 15 offers and trimmed a large list of schools down to just five recently.
“USF, Arkansas, Kentucky, NC State, and Illinois. It’s just those top five in no order.”
As you can see, Kentucky was one of just five schools that made the cut. Although Bivins has not visited Kentucky, what he has heard and seen about the school has impressed him.
“I was just talking to Coach Nord and Coach Martin, and they were talking about how they were only bringing in five DBs–two corners and three safeties–so if I want to play early, that will be an opportunity.
“[Kentucky] also has really good academics. And their football facilities are great. Another thing is it’s around a good city, so I am going to try and get up there.”
Coach Nord has been the main recruiter on Bivins. Bivins talks to him frequently and shares some positive thoughts on the [/FONT][FONT=Arial][COLOR=black]Special Teams Coordinator/Tight Ends[/COLOR][/FONT][FONT=Arial] Coach.[/FONT][FONT=Arial]
“I have been talking to Coach Nord mainly, and Coach Martin a little as well. Coach Nord is a really cool, down-to-earth guy. He is honest all the time. He likes to joke around a little and have some fun, so that shows he’s not always serious. So basically, I just think he’s a really cool guy.”
Bivins also commented on how hard it seems Kentucky is coming after him.
“I would say, out of my top-5, they are probably coming after me around third hardest.”
Bivins also plans to try and take a visit to Kentucky, although he does not know when at this point.
“I am going to try and get there for camp, but if not, I will most definitely get up there for an official [visit]. I have to find out their camp dates, and if I can’t make it to one, I’ll set up a visit.”
Bivins has been given a three-star rating from Scout, Rivals, and ESPN. He has much upside in his game and shared some characteristics that he believes have gotten him such high praise.
“I tackle better than most corners; I’m tall, lanky, have good speed, my hips are good–I can turn with receivers. I am a learner of the game–I like to to learn as much as I can. I am also a quick learner, so that is another thing that works well for me.”
That being said, Bivins knows his game still needs work, just like any athlete. He shared some things he will need to improve on heading to collegiate level.
“I need to become more physical, and that is something that will come with more repetition in practice. I can also work on my back-pedal a little more, which is something I will be working on all summer so I can get it up to par.”
Bivins’ has a long summer ahead of him with recruiting and camps, and he discussed some of the visits/events he has coming up.
“I am heading to Florida State on Monday, USF on the 26th, a 7-on-7 tournament in Dallas at the beginning of next month, “The Opening” for Nike, and The Gridiron Kings in Orlando.”[/FONT]
