Name: Carl Bivens III
School: Lindenwood
Position: LB
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 240
Q: What goals did you accomplish heading into your final collegiate season?
I feel like I built mental toughness, through intense workouts and fighting through pain from the game and facing adversity throughout the summer and the season.
Q: What would your coaches say about the type of player you are?
My coaches would say I’m a versatile player, I played on a lot of special teams while starting on defense and was able to make plays whenever I was in the game. My athleticism was something that U used to help my team and they would probably say that’s my strong point.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
After years of watching film and the game of football in general, I have a clear understanding of what not to do, so when watching film of other players, I watch for things they do well, as far as moves, timing, points of attack, technique, how to defend certain routes in coverage and how to properly play zones and where to fit underneath routes in different coverages, then do my best to add those things to my game and use them properly while still being able to do my assignment as efficiently possible for our defensive scheme.
Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?
I feel that for my size, I play well in space, as far as coverage goes, I’m quick, I close space well and tackle with my pads behind me. Shedding blocks is second nature to me so I feel comfortable inside or outside of the box. My instincts allow me to be around the ball a lot in the run game. And I’m able to be efficient in all most any special teams unit so I can help my team in more way than one.
Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?
A lot of workouts I do are simple, I’ve been working on my pass rush moves to help that aspect of my game. Also working on building stamina in my muscles so I incorporate explosion and lots of repetition into my workouts. The forty is something that I work on a lot mainly my start because that is the most important part of the drill. And trying to find my optimal weight so I can be efficient while being as big as possible.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
Off the field, I feel like I bring people together and keep my team feeling positive through adversity, that being in games or in every day life. I’m a people person who’s been places and met a variety of different types of people so connecting with folks in a new city and a new community would be something that excites me and something I look forward to. On the field I’m supportive of my teammates through the good and bad, and bring an energy that brings the best out of people, I love celebrating with my teammates when anyone makes a play because that’s what all this work is for. Lastly any team that finds interest in me will realize that I am more than capable of doing whatever it is that they need me to do. I am the guy that will get it done.
Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
If you take a chance on me, an undersized division-two linebacker, who is almost unheard of, you will be adding a weapon to your team. On paper, I may not stand out as much as others but film doesn’t lie and my game doesn’t either, I have one goal and that is to win and in those four quarters i will do WHATEVER it takes to get my team closer to that without a doubt. If you take a chance on me, you will not regret it.
