Expect fast rise on national recruiting boards for 2025 Florida OL Al Oliver
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
VENICE, Fla. – One of the best kept secrets in the 2025 recruiting class is about to get his due. Developing his trench work with Riverview High School, Aljonon “Al” Oliver will cap off his prep career with Florida powerhouse Venice High School this fall sparking interest in college programs across the country watching.
Stretching the tape and tipping the scales at 6-5, 295 pounds, Oliver has ideal next level size. Throughout his junior year Oliver showcased his mobility and power, all those skills have been upgraded this offseason.
“Right now, I am trying to learn the offense – figure out where to go and how to do it,” Oliver said. “This is a new offense for me; I came from Riverview. Changing to a whole new offense for my senior year will be a challenge but there’s nothing to it. This is my third day here; I already have half of the run plays down. I’m just getting into it; I’m staying low and firing off the ball.”
Oliver continued, “From last year to now, I feel like I finish blocks better. Now that I am at Venice, I am getting into better shape. There is already a big difference in my body from last year. I have slimmed down a little and I have gained muscle over last year. Last year during the season I was playing around 270-275, now I am at 290-295.”
Summer camps helped Oliver’s name rise on recruiting boards.
“I went to three camps; I went to a USF Mega Camp, USF’s High School Elite Camp with 60-65 players that they are recruiting and that they want to see at their camp, and I went to FIU’s Mega Camp,” Oliver stated.
“At USF, I had a great time. I got to run around for about two or three hours. The (USF) High School Elite Camp, it was really good. I got to see a lot of players in the area that I know. The FIU camp, that was probably the best one; the coaching staff, campus – everything was beautiful.”
Next level opportunities from Jackson State, North Carolina A&T, Gardner Webb, Bryant University, and Eastern Kentucky are on the table with more programs ready to see 2024 season film.
“FAU, USF, FIU, I am talking to a lot of teams like FAMU, Georgia Southern, and schools like that around the country,” Oliver shared.
The fall travel itinerary is adding stops.
“At the start of the season, I am trying to get up to JMU (James Madison), because they are showing a lot of interest in me,” Oliver said. “I like their coaching staff; I am trying to get up there. I will probably visit FAU during the season.”
While football is a game, the senior run with the Indians is all about business for Oliver.
“For me this year, it is about being a better me,” Oliver stated. “I came to win. I didn’t come to play around. I am trying to be a better me; I want to be pushed. I want to be pushed to my max, to my limit, and I know Venice will do it.”
Beyond the size, Venice’s new left tackle is putting the time in with the weights reporting a 325 bench and 505 squat max.