Some blocks on Oliver may result in changes
Applewhite says NCAA exploring revisions in rules
Some of the blocks on University of Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver this season could lead to rules changes, coach Major Applewhite said Wednesday.
Applewhite said the NCAA Football Rules Committee is looking at possibly changing rules to make someof the blocks on Oliver illegal. Oliver is considered one of the nation’s top defensive players and is projected as a top-five pick in the 2019 NFL draft.
“He’s had reason to be frustrated or distracted with some of the things that have come at him, some of the ways people have tried to attack him with the blocking schemes,” Applewhite said. “I’ve even been told some of the people on the rules committee are looking at some of the things that have been done to Ed that might be taken out of the rulebook that are legal plays right now.”
A call to the NCAA was not immediately returned Wednesday.
Oliver has been recovering from an MCL sprain in his left knee that he suffered on a low block by Temple fullback Nick Sharga on Sept. 30. Oliver had to play the next five games with a brace before being medically cleared during last week’s open date in the schedule.
In addition to low blocks, Oliver has constantly had to deal with double- and triple-team blocks in both of his college seasons.
“For him to just say, ‘Hell with it, that’s the way the rules are, I have to go put on this brace and go back to work,’ it’s what you hope for but it’s not always what you expect,” Applewhite said. “I’m proud of the way he continues to do that, no matter what the circumstances are: double teams, triple teams, cutting low, high-low blocks, whatever. He just keeps coming back and playing.”
A6-3, 290-pound sophomore, Oliver has started all 22 games in two seasons. As a true freshman, he was named first-team Associated Press All-American, racking up 23 tackles for loss, five sacks, three forced fumbles and nine pass breakups.
With more focus on him this season, Oliver has 10 tackles for loss, 2½ sacks, two forced fumbles, seven quarterback hurries and three pass breakups.
“You should not be able to cut somebody that’s not looking at you,” Oliver said. “I feel wholeheartedly about that.”
On Wednesday, Oliver was named one of five finalist sf or the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, presented to the nation’s top defensive player.
“I just hate I got hurt,” Oliver said. “I feel like I could put a little bit more on tape.”