Interview: 3-Star 2019 Nevada DB Greg Oliver Previews JSerra Game with Recruiting Update
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The long-awaited debut for Class of 2019 defensive back Greg Oliver with Faith Lutheran has finally come and has not disappointed. Oliver was with Serra (Gardena) playing in the California Division-I ranks a year ago and has joined forces with a Crusaders squad that was a nasty bunch in 2017 making a two-game run into the playoffs before running into eventual state champs, and national powerhouse, Bishop Gorman. With the Gaels off to a rocky start, Oliver and bunch are hoping to be the team to knock Bishop Gorman off their perch for a Nevada 4A state title.
Oliver has lived up to his three-star recruiting ranking expectations coming up with 16 tackles, 11 solo, with two passes broken up and two picks in just three games. Primarily playing corner, the 5-10, 165-pound, defender is showing opposing offenses why he has four scholarship offers on the table thus far; BYU, UNLV, Portland State, and Northern Arizona with outside interest growing. The interest and offers should continue to grow with Oliver’s production on the field and in the classroom. He currently sports a 3.2 cumulative GPA and scored an 1130 on the SAT.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Oliver to see how the start of his senior season has gone while getting a preview of the Crusaders showdown on Friday in California against No. 19 nationally ranked (MaxPreps) JSerra Catholic.
Interview
Greg, the Crusaders have started off with a tough schedule taking on Valor Christian (CO), Bakersfield Christian (CA), and Chandler (AZ). Of the first three games, which has been your best performance?
“My best performance was the Bakersfield game, or maybe the Chandler game. I had a lot of tackles, a pick, and did my best on special teams against Chandler.”
Of the three games mentioned, which has been the most challenging for you but made you a better player going forward?
“The toughest game was probably Valor Christian game. That was my first game back for the season. That got me back on track and in game mode.”
Where all are you lining up on the field this year?
“I am lining up on both sides of the ball, I am playing some receiver against JSerra on Friday, corner, and I played safety in the first game. I am also returning kicks and punts.”
Where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your overall game this year?
“I’m reading a lot better. My route recognition has gotten better. I am breaking down film better and seeing what is going on in the game better. My breaks are getting a lot faster too.”
Is there an area of your game not quite popping the way you want it to yet?
“Not really… maybe gaining weight.”
You guys take on yet another very tough team, No. 19 nationally ranked JSerra Catholic on Friday. What kind of game are you expecting from the Lions?
“They are a run heavy team. When they pass, we have to lock them down. We are looking to stop their run game on Friday.”
Turning to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered yet?
“I am talking to Air Force – they are a recent new interest, Arizona State, and Arizona.”
How many offers do you have?
“I have four offers.”
Did you take any visits over the summer?
“Yes. I went to a lot of camps and visited some schools then. I went to a Washington camp, a USC camp, and took unofficial visits to Arizona State, Arizona, Utah and Utah State.”
Do you have any planned visits upcoming?
“I want to get out to San Diego State for one of their games. I also want to go to a UNLV and UCLA game.”
Have you set any official visits yet?
“No, not yet.”
Switching back to football. What kind of player are you on the field, are you a talker or the strong silent type?
“I’m pretty silent on the field until someone talks to me. I like to mess with the other team on the sidelines to make the game fun.”
What type of student-athlete is Greg Oliver, on the field and in the classroom?
“I take the classroom very serious. I am a student first before an athlete. I really like the classroom, and I am very interested in business.”
Greg, thanks for your time today and I look forward to seeing you guys in action on Friday.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Greg Oliver Twitter; No. 20 Greg Oliver in the open-field (2018)