LB makes a run for the Rockies

Chicago is more than 1,000 miles away from Laramie, Wyoming, but for Mount Carmel linebacker Mark Oliver the distance didn't play a factor at all in his decision.

The 6-foot-1, 238-pound inside linebacker decided on Wednesday to make a run for the Rockies.

"I committed to Wyoming yesterday," Oliver, who is ranked as the No. 25 player in Illinois by Rivals.com, said. "I've always liked it out there. And when I went to visit, I feel in love with everything about it. The facilities are great, the field is awesome. The coaches are great. They're the coolest bunch of guys that I've been around.

"Plus, now I get to be up in the mountains and play in some of the most beautiful scenery in the nation."

From skyscrapers to mountains, Oliver said the transition will be made easier because he does have family in Cheyenne and in Boulder, Colo.

"It just felt right," he said. "I wanted to get the decision out of the way, this way I can concentrate on football. Chris Knutsen did a great job of recruiting me, and I really like him."

Oliver picked Wyoming over offers from Colorado State, Kansas State, Akron, Central Michigan, Hawaii and Northern Illinois.