Oliver Springs sophomore defensive lineman Carson Nivens (77) corrals Cosby senior running back Slate Shropshire (14) on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, in Oliver Springs, Tennessee. Oliver Springs won 35-21. (Photo by Danny Parker)
BY MIKE BLACKERBY
Just like the way he discards offensive linemen, Carson Nivens finds a way to navigate any obstacle blocking his path to success.
The sophomore defensive lineman for Oliver Springs has long had to shrug off questions about his lack of size throughout his football career.
Factor in three major injuries and it’s easy to see why Nivens might have given up long ago.
But there’s no measuring heart, and the 5-foot-6, 235-pound Nivens is a giant in terms of drive and determination.
That’s because his toughest opponent is himself.
“I have a lot of motivations,” said Nivens, the 2022 5Star Preps Defensive Underclassman of the Year.
“It’s not just that people doubt me because of my size. I know what I want. I’m a very competitive person and I don’t like losing. I have a lot of self motivation to be better.”
Nivens was a tour de force for the Bobcats as Oliver Springs posted one of the best bounce back seasons in the 5Star Preps coverage area.
After going 3-5 in 2021, the Bobcats finished 7-6 with a state Class 1A quarterfinal loss to Coalfield.
After starting the season 0-4, Oliver Springs won seven of its final nine games.
Nivens was one of the big reasons for the turnaround.
Mostly playing nose guard in the Bobcats’ 3-4 defense, Nivens racked up 80 tackles with 19 tackles for loss and 11 quarterback sacks.
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He also had a 42-yard fumble return for a touchdown.
For his efforts Nivens was named the Region 2-1A Defensive Lineman of the Year.
“He had a big year,” said Oliver Springs coach Tyler Harper.
“He obviously was a force on the defensive line. He’s the guy who made our defense go.”
Because of his lack of height, Harper said it’s understandable that opponents might take Nivens lightly.
But then they pop in a highlight tape of the Bobcats.
“He’s one of those players that (opposing teams) try and figure out why they have to game plan for this guy,” said Harper with a laugh.
“Carson plays the game with a passion that’s hard to match. A lot of the reason he has improved so much is his work ethic. He’s our leader in the weight room.
“He throws up big numbers in the squats (585 pounds) and big numbers in the bench press.”
Harper said another big reason for Nivens’s breakthrough year was he managed to finally stay healthy.
“I coached him in middle school too, and this was the first time since sixth grade that he has played a full year,” said Harper.
“He has had two knee surgeries and a broken ankle. He’s just one of those kids who has resiliency.”
Nivens said it was nice to finally have an injury-free season.
“I was very happy to make it through the year without any injuries,” said Nivens.
“I started doubting myself, but I played well this season. All of the injuries put a lot of things in perspective and made me think and play smarter.”
With 10 starters returning on both sides of the ball in 2023, the future looks bright for Nivens and the Bobcats.
“Carson has turned into a real football player for us,” said Harper.
“We never took him off the field last season. He has improved so much, and a lot of it is his work ethic.
“He doesn’t have the natural size of some, but he attacks every play and he never stops.”
5Star Preps Defensive Underclassman of the Year
PAST RECIPIENTS
2018 — Kalib Fortner (Central)
2019 — Marshaun Bowers (TKA/West)
2020 — Aaron Davis (Alcoa)
2021 — Steven Soles (Powell)