Ultimate Penn St. Hater
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I'll take the opinion of our coaching staff that he can play at ND. I'm not sold on the Rivals/Scout/ESPN star rankings.
'08 IN OL Braxston Cave (Signed LOI to ND)
- Thread starter GoshenGipper
- Start date
Hmmmm, isn't he playing in Rivals all star game?
Ultimate Penn St. Hater
Go Irish!
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Thats interesting.
GoshenGipper
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I'm not sure if Rivals is having a game this year. I know ESPN/ABC is, and Scout/NBC has the AAA Game but those are the only two I've heard of so far.
Irishknight1023
LeBron James of VC
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Cave is playing in the ESPN All American game.
F
fuzzingwhizbee85
Guest
An interesting article about Cav from Southbend Tribune - It mentions Goodman and others.
Making a name for himself
COMMENTARY
JASON KELLY
His first name comes from the fine print of Notre Dame football history. Braxston, as in Banks, an Irish running back around the time Kim Cave gave birth to her youngest son.
Not quite 18 years after his mother's inspiration at the 1989 Blue-Gold Game, Braxston Cave penciled his name into the all-time Notre Dame roster.
He will have to wait until national signing day Feb. 6 to put his commitment in ink, but the Penn High School center shows no signs of wavering.
How could he?
A recruit more cut out for Notre Dame would be difficult to find.
Along with the obscure, historical connection -- it's not like his mom named him Montana or Raghib -- Cave fits the modern image currently under construction.
Listed at 6-foot-4 and 294 pounds, he has the physical prerequisites to be a lineman at the next level. Beyond the necessary size, he also has footwork reminiscent of a skill position player.
That developed from his childhood self-image as a quarterback or a running back, someone looking for holes in defenses instead of opening them.
"I never even thought of myself as being a little fat kid," Cave says.
Never little, never fat, but too big and too strong from the earliest days of his organized football career to play anywhere but the head-butting line of scrimmage.
Cave remembers when his stature led him to that realization once and for all.
"Around sixth grade, in Rocket Football, when I was one of the biggest kids on the field," Cave says. "They had weight limits, so I couldn't even touch the ball."
Some opponents probably wish the IHSAA would implement weight limits now, although Cave's greatest attribute might not be his size or the residual athleticism of his childhood ballcarrier ambitions.
All that weight and speed alone generate an imposing locomotive effect, but his demeanor fuels it all.
There is a nasty streak that comes out on the football field, a transformation from the laid-back practical joker who spends his free time on the passive pastime of fishing.
To Cave, it reflects the Penn football personality he grew up absorbing, combined with a little reinforcement at home.
"It kind of runs in my family too. My mom," Cave says with a chuckle. "She's just always real strict with me, and she's not afraid to lay it down."
Notre Dame noticed how well that translated to football, and how it might fit into the program's evolving attitude under Charlie Weis.
The first time he met Weis, who expressed his interest in recruiting Cave, the dominating center from Penn did not feel quite as intimidating as he does on the field.
"I was very nervous. He just kind of sat back with his arms crossed and talked," Cave says. "I just sat back and listened. I don't think I said a word."
Through much of his junior year, Cave did a lot of listening, not to mention a lot of reading as letters and text messages from college coaches cluttered the in-box of his mind.
Michigan, Florida and Iowa were among the most persistent suitors, along with Notre Dame. He developed a sort of recruiting radar to distinguish between a sales pitch and reality.
"I was going through a million text messages a week with coaches," Cave says, "everybody giving you their best line, the weather and all that kind of stuff."
Location often works against Notre Dame, but geography worked in its favor with Cave.
His mother, Kim, "the drill sergeant" -- her words -- has enough of a soft spot to be grateful he will stay so close to home.
Growing up around Notre Dame and going to football games also gave Cave a sense of familiarity with the program long before he became a part of it.
Beyond his namesake Braxston Banks, he identifies with another player of more recent vintage, a star by any football definition, but perhaps an unfamiliar name to all but the closest observers.
Jeff Faine, nasty personified, a center known to treat an official's whistle as a signal to hurry up and pancake that linebacker already.
"I form my game around Notre Dame's center Jeff Faine," Cave says, and the current coaching staff has encouraged that approach.
After doing his dutiful research, Cave made the decision that seemed preordained in March. He committed to Notre Dame after attending the football program's Junior Day, the third in a class that has ballooned to 19 already.
Fellow Irish-bound recruits like Sean Cwynar, Darius Fleming and John Goodman have stayed at Cave's house during trips to the area, the tight teammate bond forming early.
Coach-player relationships also have flourished after his early verbal commitment. Cave feels a particularly strong bond with Corwin Brown, the new defensive coordinator with a reputation as a recruiter extraordinaire.
Their conversations have none of the usual salesmanship since Cave's a "solid verbal," to borrow the language of recruiting. It's about prodding now, preparing Cave to become the player Notre Dame envisioned when it offered him a scholarship.
"Our goal," Cave says, "is for me to come in and be the nastiest center in the nation."
If that happens, a new generation of Notre Dame fans could be named after him.
South Bend Tribune: Making a name for himself
Making a name for himself
COMMENTARY
JASON KELLY
His first name comes from the fine print of Notre Dame football history. Braxston, as in Banks, an Irish running back around the time Kim Cave gave birth to her youngest son.
Not quite 18 years after his mother's inspiration at the 1989 Blue-Gold Game, Braxston Cave penciled his name into the all-time Notre Dame roster.
He will have to wait until national signing day Feb. 6 to put his commitment in ink, but the Penn High School center shows no signs of wavering.
How could he?
A recruit more cut out for Notre Dame would be difficult to find.
Along with the obscure, historical connection -- it's not like his mom named him Montana or Raghib -- Cave fits the modern image currently under construction.
Listed at 6-foot-4 and 294 pounds, he has the physical prerequisites to be a lineman at the next level. Beyond the necessary size, he also has footwork reminiscent of a skill position player.
That developed from his childhood self-image as a quarterback or a running back, someone looking for holes in defenses instead of opening them.
"I never even thought of myself as being a little fat kid," Cave says.
Never little, never fat, but too big and too strong from the earliest days of his organized football career to play anywhere but the head-butting line of scrimmage.
Cave remembers when his stature led him to that realization once and for all.
"Around sixth grade, in Rocket Football, when I was one of the biggest kids on the field," Cave says. "They had weight limits, so I couldn't even touch the ball."
Some opponents probably wish the IHSAA would implement weight limits now, although Cave's greatest attribute might not be his size or the residual athleticism of his childhood ballcarrier ambitions.
All that weight and speed alone generate an imposing locomotive effect, but his demeanor fuels it all.
There is a nasty streak that comes out on the football field, a transformation from the laid-back practical joker who spends his free time on the passive pastime of fishing.
To Cave, it reflects the Penn football personality he grew up absorbing, combined with a little reinforcement at home.
"It kind of runs in my family too. My mom," Cave says with a chuckle. "She's just always real strict with me, and she's not afraid to lay it down."
Notre Dame noticed how well that translated to football, and how it might fit into the program's evolving attitude under Charlie Weis.
The first time he met Weis, who expressed his interest in recruiting Cave, the dominating center from Penn did not feel quite as intimidating as he does on the field.
"I was very nervous. He just kind of sat back with his arms crossed and talked," Cave says. "I just sat back and listened. I don't think I said a word."
Through much of his junior year, Cave did a lot of listening, not to mention a lot of reading as letters and text messages from college coaches cluttered the in-box of his mind.
Michigan, Florida and Iowa were among the most persistent suitors, along with Notre Dame. He developed a sort of recruiting radar to distinguish between a sales pitch and reality.
"I was going through a million text messages a week with coaches," Cave says, "everybody giving you their best line, the weather and all that kind of stuff."
Location often works against Notre Dame, but geography worked in its favor with Cave.
His mother, Kim, "the drill sergeant" -- her words -- has enough of a soft spot to be grateful he will stay so close to home.
Growing up around Notre Dame and going to football games also gave Cave a sense of familiarity with the program long before he became a part of it.
Beyond his namesake Braxston Banks, he identifies with another player of more recent vintage, a star by any football definition, but perhaps an unfamiliar name to all but the closest observers.
Jeff Faine, nasty personified, a center known to treat an official's whistle as a signal to hurry up and pancake that linebacker already.
"I form my game around Notre Dame's center Jeff Faine," Cave says, and the current coaching staff has encouraged that approach.
After doing his dutiful research, Cave made the decision that seemed preordained in March. He committed to Notre Dame after attending the football program's Junior Day, the third in a class that has ballooned to 19 already.
Fellow Irish-bound recruits like Sean Cwynar, Darius Fleming and John Goodman have stayed at Cave's house during trips to the area, the tight teammate bond forming early.
Coach-player relationships also have flourished after his early verbal commitment. Cave feels a particularly strong bond with Corwin Brown, the new defensive coordinator with a reputation as a recruiter extraordinaire.
Their conversations have none of the usual salesmanship since Cave's a "solid verbal," to borrow the language of recruiting. It's about prodding now, preparing Cave to become the player Notre Dame envisioned when it offered him a scholarship.
"Our goal," Cave says, "is for me to come in and be the nastiest center in the nation."
If that happens, a new generation of Notre Dame fans could be named after him.
South Bend Tribune: Making a name for himself
irish4ever
Well-known member
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What a great attitude! He's got it together!
I
irishfan_88
Guest
we sure could have used the big guy this past weekend as the play of the offensive line was horrible..
I
irishfan_88
Guest
Braxston Cave
6'5 290 OL
Mishawaka, Indiana (Penn High School)
Braxston Cave Interview on WSBT Radio's Weekday Sportsbeat. The March 27th interview was conducted by WSBT Radio's Darin Pritchett and the Irish football beat reporter for the South Bend Tribune Eric Hansen.
(South Bend Tribune) Since taking the field two years ago, Braxston Cave has been the center of attention for the Penn High varsity football team.
The 6-foot-4, 294-pound junior center hopes to get to do the same for the University of Notre Dame starting in the fall of 2008.
Attending Notre Dame's Junior Day, Cave fulfilled a boyhood dream Sunday morning by verbally committing to play for the Irish.
"Growing up in this area, it was always a dream of mine to wear that gold helmet one day," Cave said in a phone conversation Sunday afternoon. "When (Notre Dame football) Coach (Charlie) Weis told me to come in and see him (on Sunday morning), I didn't know what to think. When he offered me a scholarship, though, I didn't hesitate to say yes and tell him that ND was the place for me."
Pursued by Indiana, Purdue, Michigan, Iowa, and Florida, the two-year starter helped the Kingsmen to back-to-back Northern Indiana Conference titles. Cave was also first-team all-Northern Indiana Conference selection in 2006.
"I'm excited for Braxston because he's worked extremely hard to get himself to this point," said Penn coach Cory Yeoman when reached at home. "Notre Dame is getting themselves a pretty good football player and I know he's excited about an opportunity like this."
Upon his arrival at Notre Dame, Cave believes he will be able to make an immediate impact.
"They're (Notre Dame) going to have a fifth-year senior (John Sullivan) playing center this coming year," Cave said. "This means the competition for the spot is going to be wide open when I get there.
"They've (the coaches) already told me that they want me to play center, so I'm planning on working hard and doing my best to show them that I'm worthy of playing for them right away."
Although his large frame might not indicate it, Cave believes he's in perfect shape for the obstacles ahead of him.
"When I was younger, I had dreams of being a running back or quarterback one day. I guess this is why I've always tried to keep in the best shape possible," Cave added. "I'd like to think I'm pretty athletic and not just another big, slow guy playing football."
Having watched Cave over the years, Yeoman would agree to this statement.
"He's a strong young man with both power and quickness," Yeoman added. "With a nice combination like this to go along with great, quick feet, you can tell why he was in such high demand."
With his future set, Cave can now focus on the present.
"The nice thing is that I don't have to worry about this recruiting stuff anymore," Cave said. "I told Coach Yeoman today that I can now just focus on trying to have a great senior season and trying to get us back down to the (RCA) Dome (in Indianapolis) where we belong."
6'5 290 OL
Mishawaka, Indiana (Penn High School)
Braxston Cave Interview on WSBT Radio's Weekday Sportsbeat. The March 27th interview was conducted by WSBT Radio's Darin Pritchett and the Irish football beat reporter for the South Bend Tribune Eric Hansen.
(South Bend Tribune) Since taking the field two years ago, Braxston Cave has been the center of attention for the Penn High varsity football team.
The 6-foot-4, 294-pound junior center hopes to get to do the same for the University of Notre Dame starting in the fall of 2008.
Attending Notre Dame's Junior Day, Cave fulfilled a boyhood dream Sunday morning by verbally committing to play for the Irish.
"Growing up in this area, it was always a dream of mine to wear that gold helmet one day," Cave said in a phone conversation Sunday afternoon. "When (Notre Dame football) Coach (Charlie) Weis told me to come in and see him (on Sunday morning), I didn't know what to think. When he offered me a scholarship, though, I didn't hesitate to say yes and tell him that ND was the place for me."
Pursued by Indiana, Purdue, Michigan, Iowa, and Florida, the two-year starter helped the Kingsmen to back-to-back Northern Indiana Conference titles. Cave was also first-team all-Northern Indiana Conference selection in 2006.
"I'm excited for Braxston because he's worked extremely hard to get himself to this point," said Penn coach Cory Yeoman when reached at home. "Notre Dame is getting themselves a pretty good football player and I know he's excited about an opportunity like this."
Upon his arrival at Notre Dame, Cave believes he will be able to make an immediate impact.
"They're (Notre Dame) going to have a fifth-year senior (John Sullivan) playing center this coming year," Cave said. "This means the competition for the spot is going to be wide open when I get there.
"They've (the coaches) already told me that they want me to play center, so I'm planning on working hard and doing my best to show them that I'm worthy of playing for them right away."
Although his large frame might not indicate it, Cave believes he's in perfect shape for the obstacles ahead of him.
"When I was younger, I had dreams of being a running back or quarterback one day. I guess this is why I've always tried to keep in the best shape possible," Cave added. "I'd like to think I'm pretty athletic and not just another big, slow guy playing football."
Having watched Cave over the years, Yeoman would agree to this statement.
"He's a strong young man with both power and quickness," Yeoman added. "With a nice combination like this to go along with great, quick feet, you can tell why he was in such high demand."
With his future set, Cave can now focus on the present.
"The nice thing is that I don't have to worry about this recruiting stuff anymore," Cave said. "I told Coach Yeoman today that I can now just focus on trying to have a great senior season and trying to get us back down to the (RCA) Dome (in Indianapolis) where we belong."
johnnd05
Johnny T. works for me
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Thanks for that article, Irishfan88 - do you have a link to it?
Also, there's a free article on Braxston at Rivals: IrishIllustrated.com - Cave, Kingsmen move to 3-0.
Also, there's a free article on Braxston at Rivals: IrishIllustrated.com - Cave, Kingsmen move to 3-0.
GoshenGipper
Rest In Peace
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Not that high school rankings really mean anything, but Braxton's Penn team is now ranked #1 this week in Indiana's 5A AP Poll.
KamaraPolice
Reps Are a Girls BFF
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Cave isn't really underrated so much anymore, but he doesn't get a lot of attention. He will be a really good one in a couple years.
I
Irish Fuzzy
Guest
My Son goes to school at Penn with Braxston. This kid is a BEAST and one heck of a nice kid! I've watched a BUNCH of his high school games. He played a KEY ROLE in the recent win Penn had over Indianapolis Ben Davis. ND has alot to look forward to with Cave coming in!
GOOOOO IRISH!!!!
Fuzzy
GOOOOO IRISH!!!!
Fuzzy
GoshenGipper
Rest In Peace
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I've heard the same thing, we have some mutual friends and they've only had positive things to say about him as a person.
GoshenGipper
Rest In Peace
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For anyone in the local area #1 (5A) Penn @ #6 (3A) SB St. Joe is the ch. 46 game of the week. It originally aired last night, but it is replayed on Sat. morning and it is on right now.
Braxton is of course dominating his cometition.
Braxton is of course dominating his cometition.
The Polish Irishman
Just your hero
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sound likes in the mold of Jeff Faine
GoshenGipper
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Braxton's Penn team is once again the Ch.46 game of the week for all of the locals out there.
Penn squeaked out a victory tonight against a much improved Elkhart Central team.
Penn squeaked out a victory tonight against a much improved Elkhart Central team.
GoshenGipper
Rest In Peace
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During the replay of the game they just gave an update on Braxton. He went out early in the 2nd quarter with what appears to be a mild ankle sprain, and when they showed him on the sideline, mowhawk and all, he didn't appear to be in a lot of pain. He was sitting on a training table iceing his left ankle and he still had all of his gear on, minus his left sock and shoe. They also said he was doubtful for the rest of the 1st half, but they were unsure about the 2nd half.
GoshenGipper
Rest In Peace
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At the start of the 2nd half they gave another update on Braxton. Even though he was noticeably limping he had his ankle taped up and he will be finishing the game.
Epitome
Delany's Chamber Maid
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A little bit about a future ND captain
Sometimes words can describe something better than seeing it for yourself.
But in the case of Braxston Cave, nothing is better than 'watching' how good he is.
At 6'4", 295 pounds---Cave is a major reason the Penn Kingsmen are undefeated.
The senior center decided long ago he was going to Notre Dame and it makes sense.
After all, he was named after a former Irish player---Braxston Banks.
Cave says ND's poor record hasn't affected his decision in any way. He doesn't second guess it because of his love for the Irish. He says he's excited to possibly play right away and to help be a reason Notre Dame turns things around.
Penn quarterback Coley Moore says Braxston does everything right--from the way he works out, to the way he leads the team. Moore says Cave is a quarterback's dream center.
He says Braxston perfects instruction from his coaches on day 1 of practice and just gets better and better from there.
Penn coach Cory Yeoman says Cave also has a tremendous work ethic. He believes it's a major reason why Braxston has been able to battle through a sprained ankle over the last month.
For Braxston, he doesn't even feel the pain in his ankle anymore when he plays. It's part of the nastiness his dad instilled in him in order to be a force on the football field.
That nastiness is certainly imposing on the opposition. Just watch the video!
Braxston and the Kingsmen meet Mishawaka in the sectional semifinals on Friday.
It's a rematch of a classic game from last month one that came down to the final play.
With Penn up by 7, the Cavemen threw a deep pass to the end zone into the hands of Ryan Warmoth, but Penn defensive back Brian Lares quickly drilled Warmoth and knocked the ball out.
Warmoth only had possession of the ball for 1/3 of a second and it was ruled incomplete.
Penn hung on, but barely.
The Kingsmen expect much of the same Friday.
Sometimes words can describe something better than seeing it for yourself.
But in the case of Braxston Cave, nothing is better than 'watching' how good he is.
At 6'4", 295 pounds---Cave is a major reason the Penn Kingsmen are undefeated.
The senior center decided long ago he was going to Notre Dame and it makes sense.
After all, he was named after a former Irish player---Braxston Banks.
Cave says ND's poor record hasn't affected his decision in any way. He doesn't second guess it because of his love for the Irish. He says he's excited to possibly play right away and to help be a reason Notre Dame turns things around.
Penn quarterback Coley Moore says Braxston does everything right--from the way he works out, to the way he leads the team. Moore says Cave is a quarterback's dream center.
He says Braxston perfects instruction from his coaches on day 1 of practice and just gets better and better from there.
Penn coach Cory Yeoman says Cave also has a tremendous work ethic. He believes it's a major reason why Braxston has been able to battle through a sprained ankle over the last month.
For Braxston, he doesn't even feel the pain in his ankle anymore when he plays. It's part of the nastiness his dad instilled in him in order to be a force on the football field.
That nastiness is certainly imposing on the opposition. Just watch the video!
Braxston and the Kingsmen meet Mishawaka in the sectional semifinals on Friday.
It's a rematch of a classic game from last month one that came down to the final play.
With Penn up by 7, the Cavemen threw a deep pass to the end zone into the hands of Ryan Warmoth, but Penn defensive back Brian Lares quickly drilled Warmoth and knocked the ball out.
Warmoth only had possession of the ball for 1/3 of a second and it was ruled incomplete.
Penn hung on, but barely.
The Kingsmen expect much of the same Friday.
GoshenGipper
Rest In Peace
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I thought it was because Penn playes in the NIC?
GoshenGipper
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It isn't from what I've seen. Penn's talent and size at the skill positions isn't all that great this year, but they'll still probably win the sectional.
Junkhead
Community Mod
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They've been challenged by teams they normally destroy.
GoshenGipper
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I know, I think that's because their not as talented as they have been at other times, but they probably almost expect the other teams in their conference to roll over for them just because they're Penn. Then they end up with a close game. When they try they'll still win the sectional. Look what happend last week. Elkart Central played them close the first time around and got their attention. Then during last week's sectional game they were a little more focused and they won by 2 or 3 TDs. Personally I don't think Penn has been the same since their last coach retired.
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