COLLIN CARD
Oliver primed for bigger role with OSU after Ford’s injury
STILLWATER — Collin Oliver was ecstatic as he pointed high with his left arm and wound his right arm in a circle.
Oklahoma State’s true freshman defensive end had just completed his first big moment — a combo-sack with Jabbar Muhammad with 15 seconds remaining to preserve Oklahoma State’s 23-16 escape of Missouri State on Saturday.
From the stands of Boone Pickens Stadium, Marshall Oliver watched his only son celebrate. His mind turned to a cold January day. Collin left their home to begin his college life a semester early.
Collin knew it would give him a leg up. If there was an opportunity to play, he would be ready.
“Just real proud of him,” Marshall
said. “That’s just credit to him.”
OSU had several freshmen make their debuts last weekend, but perhaps none were bigger than Collin.
The former Edmond Santa Fe High star was a popular topic in preseason camp. Expectations were high, even at a deep position. Now, Oliver is tasked with meeting those a tad earlier.
With the loss of star Trace Ford for the season, Collin’s role will expand. He’ll get more opportunities to make an impact, starting with Saturday’s game against Tulsa.
And talking to those who know Collin best, there is little doubt he can become a star.
“It’s really not surprising, if you want to know the truth,” Edmond Santa Fe defensive coordinator Chris Rose said. “It just goes to show you how talented he is.”
Collin won’t be the starter replacing Ford. Veteran Brock Martin remains a steady player and leader. Tyren Irby is listed as Martin’s backup on the depth chart. OSU coach Mike Gundy was also impressed with walk-on Ben Kopenski in that role.
But there is a reason coaches are excited about Collin.
At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, he’s physically ready. He’s got the speed and the strength to thrive, even as the schedule toughens.
“He reminds me of a mixture of (Ford) and Calvin (Bundage),” OSU linebacker Devin Harper said.
Like Collin, Ford and Bundage both starred at Edmond Santa Fe. And both arrived with a lot of hype. They mostly met those expectations.
It’s why Collin approached his parents last year and said he’d like to graduate early. COVID-19 had ruined his junior track season. He was willing to skip his senior spring to get ahead on the field.
“We were all on board with it,” Marshall said.
Collin immediately arrived with opportunities.
Martin and Ford both sat out the spring with injuries. Instead of working with the third-string reserves, Collin worked at times with starters.
He still didn’t look the part. At the spring game, his jersey was a little big. So were his pants.
“He looked like a high school kid,” Rose said.
But Rose wasn’t concerned. He had already heard from OSU defensive line coach Greg Richmond early in the spring in a text message.
“Basically, he said, ‘OK, we’ve got another one,’” Rose said, “confirming he was going to be a football player.”
Early in fall camp, Gundy said Collin will play. That was before Ford suffered his second ACL tear last week.
Now, Collin will have to adjust to his expanded role.
Veteran safety Tanner McCalister has been in Collin’s position. McCalister played as a true freshman. He only hoped to not mess things up.
“I think Collin’s kinda in the same situation,” McCalister said. “He came in and he showed why he’s going to be playing a lot this season. He was flying around making plays.”
Collin does have Martin, who predicted that Collin would be an All-American before his college career ends. Martin was instrumental in guiding Ford. He’s huge in leading other players on the defense.
Martin’s presence will only help Collin throughout this season as the schedule toughens.
“There’s still the experience and the strength and that confidence that Brock Martin has that both Trace and Collin can continue to learn from,” Rose said.
Following Saturday’s game, Marshall and his wife, Jewel, saw Collin. They noticed few differences in their son.
He was all smiles, but still humble and reserved about his debut. He talked about the next game and improving.
Perhaps, the moment won’t be too big.
“He’s totally ready for this, man,” Marshall said.