Old "Heights" article on Jeff Oliver
Dec 11, 2022 0:45:42 GMT -5
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Post by cruskater31 on Dec 11, 2022 0:45:42 GMT -5
Found this old article from a 1987 edition of The Heights while looking for articles on Pete and Jeff.
Oliver bolsters offense
By ANDREA MUNSTER
Heights Asst. Sports Editor
"He's such a good guy," is a phrase often used to describe Jeff Oliver, BC's oldest offensive tackle.
Besides being a "good guy," he's also one of the few offensive lineman that have remained healthy this season. Not only has Oliver been healthy this year, he has never missed a game or practice since he arrived at the Heights. Jeffrey Peter Oliver is a fifth year senior from Delhi, New York.
During his senior year, Oliver was recruited by Perm State, Syracuse, West Virginia, and UCLA as well as BC. "He was heavily recruited, we went head to head with PSU," recalled head coach Jack Bicknell." Luckily for the Eagles, Oliver chose BC. "It was a program on its way up. I wanted to go somewhere that I could help," said Oliver.
Freshman year, Oliver did not make the squad and was red-shirted. "I wanted to gain strength and put on weight," commented Oliver. "He wasn't ready to play freshman year, he had developmental time to go through," said Bicknell. Sophomore and junior years Oliver worked on special teams realizing his goal of making the traveling team by sophomore year. By the end of Oliver's senior year, he was an indispensible member of the offensive line.
"He's very dependable. You don't have to worry about the tackle position, Jeff is always there," said Bicknell. Oliver's football talents are not what makes him "such a good guy." It could be the friendly way he treats strangers on campus or his support of the younger players or maybe his hellos to the Campus School kids that make their days.
Whatever it is, Bicknell likes it. "He is a good example for the players. He's in control-and has his priorities straight, you can always count on him." But for all of his qualities and abilities, Oliver is not recognized often.
In a season that has seen more injuries than survivals, Oliver has been a key member of the constantly changing offensive line. "The people I'm playing next to have never played. I like to talk to them and keep them going," said Oliver. Even though he's quiet, Oliver is a "steadying influence." This year Bicknell appreciates the leadership Oliver has dffered to the young players. "He's going to do his own job and then help people next to him," said Bicknell.
What does the future hold? "1 love this place," said 'Ollie,' but that doesn't keep him from looking to the future. "I would love to play for the Buffalo Bills." But if he doesn't make the NFL, Oliver will continue his education.
Currently he is taking marketing courses and next semester he hopes to get into an MBA program. But Oliver admits that the lure of the NFL is strong. "If I didn't try I would never know if I could have made it, and I would always wonder." Bicknell agrees. "I don't think he's at his peak yet. It is wise to to give it (NFL) a shot."
In the meantime Oliver will continue to do the things that make him a "good guy," but without the fanfare and attention that surrounds a lot of college athletes. His philosophy is realistic and practical. "In order to realize your potential you can't wait for things to happen to you. You have to attack it." Because of this quiet aggressiveness combined with his charming, loving-life' grin, Jeff Oliver will always be considered one of the 'good guys.'
Oliver bolsters offense
By ANDREA MUNSTER
Heights Asst. Sports Editor
"He's such a good guy," is a phrase often used to describe Jeff Oliver, BC's oldest offensive tackle.
Besides being a "good guy," he's also one of the few offensive lineman that have remained healthy this season. Not only has Oliver been healthy this year, he has never missed a game or practice since he arrived at the Heights. Jeffrey Peter Oliver is a fifth year senior from Delhi, New York.
During his senior year, Oliver was recruited by Perm State, Syracuse, West Virginia, and UCLA as well as BC. "He was heavily recruited, we went head to head with PSU," recalled head coach Jack Bicknell." Luckily for the Eagles, Oliver chose BC. "It was a program on its way up. I wanted to go somewhere that I could help," said Oliver.
Freshman year, Oliver did not make the squad and was red-shirted. "I wanted to gain strength and put on weight," commented Oliver. "He wasn't ready to play freshman year, he had developmental time to go through," said Bicknell. Sophomore and junior years Oliver worked on special teams realizing his goal of making the traveling team by sophomore year. By the end of Oliver's senior year, he was an indispensible member of the offensive line.
"He's very dependable. You don't have to worry about the tackle position, Jeff is always there," said Bicknell. Oliver's football talents are not what makes him "such a good guy." It could be the friendly way he treats strangers on campus or his support of the younger players or maybe his hellos to the Campus School kids that make their days.
Whatever it is, Bicknell likes it. "He is a good example for the players. He's in control-and has his priorities straight, you can always count on him." But for all of his qualities and abilities, Oliver is not recognized often.
In a season that has seen more injuries than survivals, Oliver has been a key member of the constantly changing offensive line. "The people I'm playing next to have never played. I like to talk to them and keep them going," said Oliver. Even though he's quiet, Oliver is a "steadying influence." This year Bicknell appreciates the leadership Oliver has dffered to the young players. "He's going to do his own job and then help people next to him," said Bicknell.
What does the future hold? "1 love this place," said 'Ollie,' but that doesn't keep him from looking to the future. "I would love to play for the Buffalo Bills." But if he doesn't make the NFL, Oliver will continue his education.
Currently he is taking marketing courses and next semester he hopes to get into an MBA program. But Oliver admits that the lure of the NFL is strong. "If I didn't try I would never know if I could have made it, and I would always wonder." Bicknell agrees. "I don't think he's at his peak yet. It is wise to to give it (NFL) a shot."
In the meantime Oliver will continue to do the things that make him a "good guy," but without the fanfare and attention that surrounds a lot of college athletes. His philosophy is realistic and practical. "In order to realize your potential you can't wait for things to happen to you. You have to attack it." Because of this quiet aggressiveness combined with his charming, loving-life' grin, Jeff Oliver will always be considered one of the 'good guys.'