Central’s Vince Oliver Jr. verbally committs to play football at Penn.
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STEUBENVILLE -- Catholic Central's Vince Oliver Jr. has decided to join the "UPrising!"
Earlier this week, Oliver, a four-year starter for the Crusaders, gave a verbal commitment to continue his academic and football careers at the University of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia.
"I'm really excited to get the chance to play in the Ivy League and have the opportunity to go the next level," said Oliver, who currently sports a 4.2 GPA. "Also, I'll be able to get one of the best educations I possibly can while playing the sport I love."
Ray Priore is entering his third year as head coach of the Quakers, who play their home games at historic Franklin Field. He has guided Penn to two consecutive Ivy League championships. The Quakers open their 2017 season Sept. 16 with a home game against Ohio Dominican.
Oliver, the son of Vince and Nancy Oliver, chose Penn over three other Ivy League schools--Yale, Harvard and Dartmouth. He noted Yale was "my second choice."
"I really felt the coaches at Penn brought the intensity, but also had a good time," he stated when discussing why he selected the Philadelphia-based school. "They seem happy to be there and you can tell they love what they are doing. The coaches really made me feel at home and made it feel like a family there.
"Winning two straight Ivy League championships definitely makes the program look a lot better. But, I was looking for more for a place I could fit in and be comfortable. Wins and losses only go so far in the real world."
As a junior, the 6-5, 305 pound Oliver was a first team all-Eastern District Division VI selection. The two-way lineman also garnered special mention all-Ohio honors.
"I want to thank my parents for investing so much time and money into my education and athletic careers," he stated. "I wouldn't be anywhere today without them.
"I also would like to thank all the other coaches who recruited me. I'm grateful for all the opportunities presented. I feel this decision is the best for my family, my career and myself."
Oliver plans to major in neuroscience and minor in business, giving him the opportunity to attend Penn's Wharton School of Business.
The college decision-making process was difficult but Oliver is quick to point out it didn't cause him to lose any focus.
"My focus has always been here," he stressed. "The chance to play at an Ivy League school was a reward for what I have here at Central. I have to remain totally focused here and just get it done on and off the field going forward. Penn comes later.
"I've worked very hard to reach this point. Penn competes in the FCS, which is just a step under the FBS. I attended some major camps at Pitt and Penn State and the coaches saw me there. They then asked me to attend their camps. Coaches at the FCS level are still looking for great athletes--guys that want to play and play hard."
Central coach Steve Daley said Oliver has really "put the work in during the past few years."
"I knew good things would come his way, especially with the way he's been working the last couple of years," Daley stated. "He got a little taste of things as a freshman. After that, things kind of took off. I'm happy for him.
"We knew he had the body to play at that level but we also knew he needed to put the work in. He's done that. Now we want him to focus on the task at hand with us. He's done that before. He hasn't let his recruitment be a distraction, but that's just the type of kid he is."
Oliver, Daley and the rest of the Crusaders will open their home season Saturday when Oak Glen visits Harding Stadium.