Four-star Tennessee safety Kaleb Oliver commits to Georgia Tech

When Kaleb Oliver committed to Mississippi State during the offseason, he never imagined himself playing for another school. But after staff changes in Starkville, he broadened his horizons. Turns out, a more appealing option was just three hours away his Murfreesboro, Tenn., home. On Monday, he made his change official, committing to Georgia Tech.

"Georgia Tech is a great college to get a degree from and a great place to play football," Oliver told Rivals.com. "The chance to achieve my goals on and off the field was too much to pass up."

The relationship between Oliver and the Yellow Jackets developed quickly over the past month, but he said he and assistant coach Andy McCollum developed an immediate rapport. That bond made his decision much easier.

"Coach Mac was a big part of my decision," Oliver said. "Since the day I de-committed we were talking almost every day. He was always up front and honest and he knows my high school coach really well, too. I've heard nothing but good things about him and I can't wait to play for him."

After visiting Ole Miss earlier this month, Oliver came into his Georgia Tech official truly undecided. But he said that all changed on Saturday night.

"After seeing the campus and the student life, I knew it was somewhere I could feel comfortable," Oliver said. "You're in Atlanta in a big city but it still has that campus vibe so it's the best of both worlds."

Oliver was being recruited by some schools as a linebacker and others as a safety. He said he's comfortable doing either if he's asked. However, he is expected to be a defensive back with the Yellow Jackets and play alongside his close friends and Georgia Tech signee Gentry Bonds.

"Me and Gentry have been friends for years now," Oliver said. "After I saw him on campus and talked with him he really persuaded me to think hard on it and I did and now I'm a Yellow Jacket."

Oliver is the fourth four-star prospect to commit to Yellow Jackets in the 2017, joining three other defensive players. The four four-stars are more than Georgia Tech signed in the 2012-2016 classes combined.