Tyler Caveness: “Anything is Possible”-commits to Harvard

Tyler Caveness: “Anything is Possible”

By Matt Yanofsky

When North Cross Schools’ Tyler Caveness weighed in his college options, he did something that many athletes unfortunately don’t; put his academic future first.

Caveness, a 5’9 176 lb all purpose back, epitomizes coach Thomas Carter’s famed message “you are a student-athlete, student comes first.” Caveness, one of the top players in Virginia, committed to Harvard in November and can hopefully set the tone for how athletes choose their college. I had the opportunity to catch up with Caveness recently, as he finishes up High School en route to being an Ivy League scholar.

Matt Yanofsky: Hey Tyler, congrats on committing to Harvard. Harvard, as we all know, is the top school in the country. How did you end up choosing to go there?

Tyler Caveness: I had a few Ivy League offers (on the table) and Harvard started talking to me. They saw my game film, (were aware of) how I did in the All American game. I was invited (to Harvard) and went to the Princeton game (Princeton offered me as well). After the game, I met everyone in the locker room and committed the next morning. My formal acceptance is coming the first of April as long as my grades stay up.

MY: You recently finished your final year of HS football at North Cross School. Tell us about your finale.

TC: We had a pretty good year! We lost by 2 pts in State Semis. It was a heart breaking loss, especially because it was to a team we already beat. We finished 8-3 , I was First Team All State and was one of the only kids from a small school to get that honor.  I rushed 1,837 yards, 20 touchdowns and 9.3 yards per carry.

MY: What are you going to be majoring in at Harvard?

TC: Initially I wanted to do Pre Med but right now I am going in as undecided so I can see how all the classes are. My major definitely will end up being Pre Med or Pre Law.

MY: Do you feel that balancing out school and academics may be difficult due to the high level programs you will be enrolled in come September?

TC: It’s not going to be easy but there are plenty of guys already doing it. Every player they have recruited over the last 16 years has graduated so I am not going to be the first to struggle.

MY: In 2008, you won the DB MVP and fastest man at our Durham camp. What was that like?

TC: It was pretty cool! Until that point I thought it would be cool to play college football but wasn’t sure if I was going to play. After coming to the event (as a sophomore) I gained a lot of confidence and the event really opened the door for me to play college football.

MY: What are you goals for 2010 as both a student and athlete?

TC: As a student, I want to get in the hang of things. I know the atmosphere is going to be different. I spoke to the football coaches and they are going to use me in the rotation, so I am hoping to play well early. They are also taking about using me as a (kick) returner.

MY: Thanks for speaking with us. Do you have anything to add in closing to all the aspiring college football players and Ivy League scholars?

TC: Nothing is impossible. During my sophomore year, I never thought I’d be playing at Harvard, but if you put your mind on football and your studies you can go wherever you want.