Oladipo previews Thursday commitment
Huntley, Ill., defensive end Olalere Oladipo is set to announce his college selection on Thursday, Aug. 25, just before the three-star prospect kicks off his senior season.
“I’m going to do it at the school, after practice,” Oladipo said. “My coach talked about there being a table and he said it’s up to me if I want the media to come or not.”
Oladipo announced a top six in early July of California, Duke, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan State and Penn State. He has since narrowed that list down further, and said his final choice will come from that original top six.
“I have a top three, but I’d rather people just know it when I get there from the schools that will be on the table,” Oladipo said.
The timing of this decision coming just before the start of Oladipo’s senior season was not coincidental.
“I don’t feel like I want that pressure of thinking what college I am going to go to and playing at the same time,” Oladipo said. “I’d rather just focus on my senior year and worry about college after the season. Also, I don’t want to be rushing through the process while playing football, so I thought committing before the season would give me that opportunity.”
Campus visits have been difficult for Oladipo to make prior to this decision. He did make a visit to Illinois at the end of July and has seen the Illini more than the other schools on his list.
“I haven’t been able to get out to Indiana or any of those schools, which is why with those five schools I wouldn’t mind taking a closer look at with an official,” Oladipo said.
“Even though I am committed, if I really feel the need to maybe look at more schools there are still officials there. The only school I have talked to so far about officials is California-Berkley. They said (the date) is up to me based on my schedule.”
With just days left before he announces his college selection, Oladipo discussed the factors he and his family are considering.
“Definitely my parents being able to see me play is going to be a factor in my decision,” Oladipo said. “I know it is not going to be easy wanting to graduate as an engineer and playing football at the same time, so how much is (a school) going to help me achieve that goal?
“I want to have good friends there that aren’t going to get me in trouble and come from good families. Then, the commitment level my coaches give me. Are they in there just for the money they are getting or do they want their players to develop as a young man?”
The 6-foot-4, 245-pound Oladipo will kick off his senior season on Friday against Algonquin Jacobs High. He is coming off a junior season in which he tallied 6.5 sacks among 13 total tackles for loss.