Interview: Minnesota 3-Star 2021 DB/WR Michael Olowo Taking on Arizona Teams in 2020
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Whether moves are made in-state, across state lines, or hundreds if not thousands of miles away from home, the need for top players to prove they can play anywhere and at anytime has always been there. Professional players in all sports seek out playing the best of the best to prove they are among the greatest in their era. That same sentiment is pervasive throughout the high school ranks, and Class of 2021 athlete Michael Olowo is one of those competitors with a burning fire to show all what he can do.
During the 2019 season Olowo suited up for Rogers Senior High School showcasing the skills against 5A Minnesota squads. As a two-way standout, Olowo earned All-District and three-star recruiting honors playing as a defensive back and receiver for the Royals. Flashing his 4.25 and 4.35 clocked 40-yard speed, Olowo turned 21 receptions into 300-plus yards with four trips into the end zone.
The hard work has caught the attention of football programs on a national scale with three offers extended from Army, Northern Iowa, and South Alabama. When the 2020 season kicks off, college programs will find the 6-1, 190-pound, talent suiting up for Arizona powerhouse Pinnacle High School.
In an RNG first-look conversation, I sat down with Olowo just before leaving Minnesota for Arizona receiving an update on his offseason workouts and recruiting options ahead of a big senior season.
Interview
Michael, during the 2019 season you were a two-way skill position standout for the Royals. Looking back, how did your junior season go overall on the field for you personally?
Personally, it went really well from my sophomore year. In 2018, we were 1-8. Last season I was looking to help my team improve. During my sophomore year I was not on offense much. Last year I played more offense, got more touches, and was able to help out the team more; it showed. We had a good year.
Speed is a big part of your game. You have outstanding times posted in the 40 and in the 100-meters. What are your best clocked times?
My best clocked 40 was 4.25 and my best track time during my sophomore year in the 100 was 10.8.
Impressive. Where did you put down the 4.25?
I ran it working out with my trainer. It was a really hot day, that factored into it.
As a defender, when the 2019 season ended what did you feel were the strengths to your game?
My strengths were reading formations, knowing how to bait QBs, knowing how to play off or on, and reading pass or run.
What scheme and coverages were you guys executing a year ago?
We ran man, Cover 2 and 3, and some Cover 4.
Going over to offense, which areas of your game showed the most improvement as a receiver?
My catching. My sophomore year I did not have the best hands. I did not have my coaches’ confidence. I worked on that, and it showed. They put trust in me to have the ball during important times of the game.
This offseason you transferred from Minnesota to Arizona. How did you end up at Pinnacle and how has the transfer gone so far?
The opportunity presented itself with their top QB, Devon Dampier. To play with him, I felt like I had to take it. Plus, in Arizona there are more games to play. That means a better opportunity to showcase myself for my senior year.
Where all might you line up during the 2020 season with the Pioneers?
For right now, it looks like safety and I am figuring out my role on the offensive side.
What style of offense will you be running with Pinnacle in 2020?
I don’t know, I’m not there yet. I am leaving on Monday.
For the move, how have you been preparing for the upcoming season with your strength and conditioning?
I have been training since March, I have changed a lot. This offseason I have gotten better with my footwork, breaking on balls, and knowing how to play in coverage via 7v7.
What have you been doing to prepare technically this offseason for a role on offense?
I have been working on routes and catching the ball. Those are the two most important things.
And going the other way, what have you been doing to prepare this offseason on defense?
This offseason I have been working on reading the receiver, getting comfortable with backpedal, opening up my hips, breaking down the receiver, and breaking on the ball. And my press technique.
Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest ahead of your senior year?
Wyoming, South Dakota, Kansas State, Air Force, Southern Illinois, and Iowa.
How many offers do you have?
Three.
Going back to last season, have you taken any unofficial visits?
Yes. I visited Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota State.
What did you do during your visit to Iowa?
We basically went through their facilities, looked at their world class weight room, saw all the accomplishments of their past players, tried on the jersey, went onto the field for warmups, and then watched the game.
And to the home state program?
The visit to Minnesota was really good. We had a more in-depth talk with all the coaches; I was there for a Junior Day. We saw everything during the visit, the weight room and their recovery room. We put on full-pads, the jersey, and helmet and attended a basketball game after.
Nice. Once campuses open back up, do you have any planned visits official or unofficial?
When it does open up, I am looking to take an official to Army.
Michael, thank you for your time today and good luck with the move and transfer to Arizona.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Olowo family; Michael Olowo at Iowa (2019) and Minnesota (2020)