Player Primer: DeShon Gavin
College Coaches: If you’d like his contact info please reach out to me at mattlemming@lemmingprepinsider.com or DM me @lemminginsider.
After a big offseason, Providence’s 2018 CB/ATH DeShon Gavin is ready to take his game to the next level. We discussed his offseason work with Acceleration-Naperville and BOOM football, the skills he can bring to the table for a college program and schools he’s receiving serious interest from.
DeShon Gavin
Providence
New Lenox, IL
GPA: 3.30/4.00
Commitment status: Undecided
Twitter: @DeShon_Gavin
Wt: 180 lbs
Class: 2018
LPI: What are you going to do to take your game to the next level this offseason? Are you playing 7on7 or are you playing any other sports?
DG: I knew that this offseason was huge for me and our team! I trained with J.R. & Mike Niklos at Acceleration-Naperville over the winter up until track season began. During the weekdays I have track practice but immediately get into the weight room after. I also have track meets during the week and weekends too. I try and use the weekend to do agility and field work with my brother Dewhon Gavin. I play with Midwest BOOM and every practice is high intensity against great competition.
LPI: You currently don’t have any offers, but I believe you have what it takes to play at the next level. What skill set can you bring to the table for a college football program?
DG: I think my speed, strength, and overall athleticism is what sets me apart. I am very aggressive on the line pressing when I play corner. I also enjoy coming down and hitting as well. I have a high football IQ which gives me an advantage when I line up against my competition. I am a very hard worker and just enjoy the process of training. I’m very coachable and I’m always looking to improve my game in any way.
LPI: Which schools have shown serious interest in you?
DG: Miami of Ohio, Wofford University, Fordham, Illinois State, Southern Illinois, Minnesota State-Moorhead, and most recently I’ve had interest from Army and Air Force Academy.
LPI: Where have you visited most recently and do you have any planned visits or camps/showcases set?
DG: I recently visited Northwestern with my BOOM teammates. The last personal visit I took was to Southern Illinois University. It was a really good visit and I got some great tips that I’m going to incorporate into my game. I’m going out to Illinois State on April 22nd. I plan on hitting the camp circuit pretty hard this summer. The coaches I talk to tell me that they want to see me in camp, so I am just doing everything in my power to make sure I’m prepared.
LPI: On or off the field, how do you demonstrate leadership or go the extra mile for your teammates?
DG: On the field I try to demonstrate leadership by just leaving it all on the field! I battled a few injuries last year so I am just leading through my commitment to the weight room and training. I’m always motivating our guys to do and be better. I am a firm believer that leadership is best shown through actions. Off the field, I have a group of JV and Varsity guys I’m responsible for. It is my job to keep my group working hard throughout the offseason. We all workout together in the weight room and also on the field putting in extra work.
LPI: Who are some of your teammates or training partners that you believe can play at the next level, but have gone overlooked by college coaches?
DG:I trained with my brother DeWhon Gavin (H-Back/TE) at Acceleration and he has really stepped his game up. He has put on close to 20lbs and will be playing H-Back for us, Mariano Sori (LB/ATH) has offers but I think he has the ability to play big time college ball. The other guys that come to mind are Joe Tracey (WR) who is not the biggest but is quick with good hands, Dylan Davalos (DL) who has started on varsity since our sophomore year, Caden Kalinowski (QB/WR) he started at WR last season for us, Joe Markasovic (LB) who is a hybrid guy that can play in space or come downhill and is a very underrated in my opinion, Cody Nawrot (OL) who is 6’5 315 and has really worked hard to get quicker and stronger, and Jim Hugulet (TE) who started last year and also has put in a lot of work this offseason.