For Oklahoma Bible Academy junior Caden Dinnin, football is built on more than the work done between the lines. It is about the daily bond shared by the Trojans, a close-knit group that knows how to support one another on and off the field.
“What I love most about my team and my teammates is how close our whole team is. We go to a small school so we all pretty much know each other already pretty well. We know each other’s weakness and strengths which helps a lot whether it be on the field or just at practice,” Dinnin said.
Dinnin brings that familiarity to two demanding positions for OBA, serving as the team’s center on offense and defensive end on defense. His responsibilities require physicality, communication and an understanding of what teammates need in critical moments.
“I am the center and defensive end for OBA. What I enjoy the most about playing this position is that I get to interact with both of the guards on either side of me whether that be doubling the noseguard to the linebacker or helping them know what to do,” Dinnin said.
His physical strength is a major asset in the trenches, especially when the Trojans need to establish themselves at the line of scrimmage.
“The strength of my game is my physical strength, it helps me block the defensive line by being able to explode off the ball and hit them first,” Dinnin said.
That strength comes from a consistent commitment to preparation. Dinnin has learned the importance of making the most of every opportunity to improve, whether in the weight room, at practice or while learning the team’s schemes.
“I learned to just work hard and train whenever I get the chance to whether it be in the gym, at practice, or studying the playbook,” Dinnin said.
Dinnin credits coach Austin Schneider as an important influence. Schneider has coached Dinnin since his 8-and-under baseball days and continues to push athletes toward improvement.
“Someone who inspires me is my coach Austin Schneider, he has coached me since I was in 8u baseball, he is always helping someone get better and is always telling you what to get better at or work at. I think his willingness to help others is what inspires me the most,” Dinnin said.
Away from football, Dinnin also competes in baseball and track. After high school, he hopes to become a firefighter and eventually operate his own business.
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