Southridge's Oliver getting interest from FAU, FIU

BY JUSTIN AZPIAZUjazpiazu@MiamiHerald.com

Related Content

Miami-Dade No. 21 Recruit

LARRY BLUSTEIN'S COMMENTS:One of the most overlooked backs in the area this year. Reminds many of the standouts the Spartans had for much of the 80s and 90s. This is a physical back who had a tremendous combine season, further thrusting himself into the spotlight. Several schools were impressed by his athletic ability. Western Michigan, FAU and FIU would be a perfect fit.

Over the years, the Southridge football program has established itself as one of the top programs in Miami-Dade County.

In that time, the Spartans have enjoyed what seems like an endless string of top-notch athletes that have played for them.

This season the ''Ridge'' will graduate another group that seem poised to excel at the next level.

The team's top college prospect for the upcoming season is running back Branden Oliver, who is currently ranked 21st on The Miami Herald's Top 25 football players in Miami-Dade county list, is described by his coach as the heart of his squad.

''With Oliver, it is easy, he's the true leader of our team,'' coach Rodney Hunter said. ``He comes out, works his butt off in the classroom, on the field and in the weight room. Those are the type of kids that we want around us.''

Oliver, who is being courted by Florida Atlantic and Florida International, rushed for 998 yards on 156 attempts and finished with 11 touchdowns his junior year. The 5-8, 185-pound rusher also caught 12 passes for 123 yards.

This season, the senior hopes to improve on what he called his ''breakout year'' and is confident he can eclipse the 2,000-yard mark.

''I will be in the 2,000's [yards],'' Oliver said.

According to the website InsidetheU.com, Oliver is ranked 31st on their list of the top players in Miami-Dade, behind a slew of running backs, but Oliver says he is out to prove he's the top back in the county.

''No disrespect to the other guys. I am not trying to sound big headed, but there really isn't any comparison,'' Oliver said.

Hunter is also expecting big things from his running back and hopes he can lead Southridge back to the playoffs.

''I'm expecting Branden to have 1,500-yards plus [rushing] and 20-plus touchdowns,'' Hunter said. ``The pressure is going to be on him -- when he gets the opportunity he needs to take advantage of it.''

Over the years, Hunter has seen many running backs come out of Southridge, including 2007 Heisman trophy nominee and Central Florida standout Kevin Smith.

Hunter didn't compare Oliver to Smith but, said that Oliver reminded him of Canadian League running back Travis Davis, who graduated from Southridge in the mid 90s.

''[Oliver] is up with that top group,'' Hunter said. ``He has just as much skill as those guys.''

Last season, Southridge struggled playing one of the hardest schedules in Miami-Dade, finishing 3-7 but, in the three wins, Oliver put together big games.

Against Killian, Southridge's biggest rival, Oliver, who has been staring on varsity since the seventh game of his freshman year, ran all over the Cougars, finishing with 168 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns in the 36-26 victory.

Oliver has big hopes for his senior season and would love to be able to win a state championship and break the county rushing record he said.

Oliver seems to have all the tools needed to accomplish those feats. Oliver's max benched pressed is 295 pounds, squats 405 pounds and runs a 4.5 second 40-dash. Oliver also has the genes needed to be a top football player.

Oliver's cousin Roscoe Parrish is currently playing in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills and was a memorable wide receiver at the University of Miami.

So far Oliver has been in talks with several schools but still has not committed to any programs.

Oliver has been contacted by Kansas State, Western Michigan, Vanderbilt, Ohio, Colorado State, Clemson and South Carolina.

Oliver still hasn't made up his mind and is not leaning toward any of the programs yet. He has made unofficial visits to FAU, FIU and Clemson.

 

Join the discussion

Note: If this is your first time using our NEW commenting system, you will have to LOG OUT and then LOG BACK IN.

The Miami Herald is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point. In order to post comments, you must be a registered user of MiamiHerald.com. Your username will show along with the comments you post. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

Comments (0)

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL VIDEOS



MOST POPULAR STORIES