Interview: 4-Star 2021 Oklahoma OLB Collin Oliver has Two Official Visits Scheduled
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If college football coaching staffs wanted to see how versatile, and strong, Class of 2021 defender Collin Oliver was, they got their wish last season. The Edmond Santa Fe standout was ever present on the field for the Wolves lining up at outside linebacker, defensive end, and even got dirty in the trenches at tackle. Through six games against 6A Oklahoma competition, the 6-2, 220-pound, talent tallied 30 stops with seven tackles for a loss, two sacks, five quarterback hurries, forced two fumbles, and picked off a pass. The play of the four-star recruit has attracted 15 offers so far with other top programs showing interest.
As Oliver prepares for his senior season, his look at the recruiting process takes a more serious turn. Two official visits are set with two unofficial visits on the docket as well. To cover it all, I sat down for an in-depth interview with one of Oklahoma’s top 2021 recruits.
Interview
Collin, how did the 2019 season go for you on the field?
“It went really well. The game slowed down for me a lot. I got a feel for the game of football. It went really well.”
You were versatile for the Wolves lining up in the trenches, standing up at end, and as a true outside linebacker. Given all that you did on the field, how did you prepare off the field for a game?
“A whole lot of training with my teammates and with my dad. I was working on my hands, speed training, lifting – doing all that for on the field. I also watched a whole lot of film. I watched film on college players and my sophomore film to see what I could improve upon.”
Of the three positions played on defense last year, which is your favorite?
“Honestly, it is between outside and inside linebacker. They are both are fun to play.”
How did your overall game develop as a linebacker last season?
“It developed by listening to my coaches. My defensive coordinator is really good with linebackers. Listening to him really helped. My coverage really improved last year as did my hands, my hand-eye coordination, and going against the big offensive linemen improved as well.”
Will you be playing any new positions in 2020?
“I will be doing the same stuff on defense, but I will also play tight end.”
Are you excited about playing tight end?
“Oh yeah. I love going out for passes, that is a real joy.”
How are you preparing for your senior year with your offseason workouts?
“By doing the same stuff – working on my hands, lifting, and speed training. I am working on taking on blocks with my hands, not using my body. That is a real big thing I am working on.”
Are you competing at any camps this spring?
“Yes. I am going to an Under Armour camp in two weeks; on March 15. That is the only one scheduled now.”
Turning to recruiting. How many offers do you have?
“I have 15 offers.”
Oliver’s Offer Sheet (15): Arkansas, Boise State, Colorado, Iowa State, Kansas, Nebraska, North Texas, Ole Miss, Oklahoma State, SMU, TCU, Tennessee, Texas Tech, Tulsa, and Utah
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Oklahoma, LSU, and Texas.”
Over the last few months, have you taken any unofficial visits?
“Yes. I have taken five in a four-week span. I have been to Oklahoma State, TCU, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska.”
How did the OSU visit go?
“It went really well. Prior to that visit, I had been there about five times. There is a family feel there. I appreciate all that they do for me.”
And the TCU visit, how did that go?
“It was fun. They have a fun staff. They are a Christian school, but they are fired up about football.”
Last one. How did the Kansas trip go?
“That was really cool as well. Meeting coach Les Miles (head coach) was really cool, and hearing what he had to say about me.”
Are there any planned visiting coming up?
“I have two officials planned and two unofficial visits.”
Which schools are you visiting officially and unofficially?
“Texas Tech and OU are unofficial visits and my two official visits are OSU and Nebraska.”
When are you taking your official visits?
“The OSU visit is in April and Nebraska is in June.”
Nice. Turning away from recruiting. Are you competing in any other sports with Santa Fe this year?
“This spring I am competing in track.”
Which events?
“The high jump, long jump, and I am trying the discus and shotput as well.”
Collin, it was great getting time in with you today. Good luck with all that you have going on – track, visits, and your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Oliver family; Collin Oliver at Kansas and TCU