Oliver likes being a leader

Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward safety Nate Oliver was Ohio State's first commitment for the class of 2007 and the 6-foot, 195-pounder is heading back to Columbus this weekend for Friday's NIKE Training Camp. It's something he's really looking forward to and he's ready to show people why he's heading to the Big 10 power.

"The camp should be really neat," Oliver said. "It's a good chance for you to show you have a lot of ability and you get to test yourself against really good players. I heard they're expecting around 500 people, and that's something I can't wait to see."

Oliver thoroughly expects to pass any test thrown his way – just like other schools are trying to test his commitment to Ohio State. But don't worry Buckeye fans, he says he's still a very solid Ohio State pledge.

"It feels really good," Oliver said. "It is like being the leader of the class for 2007. I am trying to get Dionte Allen to commit and Ronald Johnson to commit. If we can get them to Ohio State, we'll have the top defensive back class in the nation."

Notre Dame and Michigan continue to try and recruit Oliver, but it doesn't sound like the pitches are working too well.

"They're trying," Oliver said. "But they're also not pushing it that hard. They just keep in touch and ask me to keep them in mind."

But could he ever see himself at either one of those schools?

"I don't think so," he said.