Buffaloes get one from Down Under
Until last year, Sebastian Olver lived in his home country of Australia and excelled as a rugby player. 12 months after moving to Northern California, the 6-foot-3.5, 245-pounder is a football prospect now verbally committed to the University of Colorado.
Olver made the call on Tuesday, choosing the Buffs over scholarship offers from seven other FBS programs, and a preferred walk-on offer from Urban Meyer at Ohio State.
"Everything," Olver said when asked what sold him on Colorado. "They have a coaching staff with great guys and they have amazing facilities. From the first time I visited on Junior Day, I have always been drawn to Colorado, I have been drawn to Boulder.
"I took another trip to Boulder two weeks ago with my father and he loved it. My father and I even got to meet the Athletic Director (Rick George). Everybody was very friendly, down to earth. There really isn't anything bad I can say about the place. When I went last time, I could definitely see myself there. I am excited about the academics, too. Colorado has a great Business program. I am just really excited to be a Buffalo."
Olver is not rated by Rivals but is a three-star recruit on Scout. He could end up playing on the defensive line or as a tight end when he joins the Buffaloes next summer.
"I called [head] coach [Mike] Mac[Intyre] and [offensive line] coach Klayton Adams when I decided and they were both excited," Olver said. "Coach Mac said basically that I am going in as an athlete. I'll play wherever they want me. I don't have a preference."
Coaches told Olver they like the combination of his size, speed and toughness. In the video reel from his junior season at Kentfield (Calif.) Marin Catholic (which is embedded at the bottom of this article), Olver displays a willingness to get his hands dirty.
"I would say I am pretty competitive," he admitted. "There is something about football where you fight for the person next to you. I love the brotherhood, the camaraderie. There is something about fighting for your mates. A switch with my personality definitely changes when I get on the field. I like hitting people."
While his background in rugby certainly helped Olver adapt to football, he is still an unpolished product on the gridiron.
"I am excited to see what I can do this year. I am excited to see what type of player I can develop into," he said. "I don't think I have quite found my football potential yet. The future will determine the type of player I'll be."
