There are very few football families like the Olsens.
University of Miami football fans know former Hurricane tight end Greg Olsen best. Greg was a star at UM and would go on to play on Sundays in the NFLU. He was selected by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2007 NFL draft and spent four years with the Bears.
Before the 2011 season Greg was traded to the Carolina Panthers where he joined another former Hurricane TE in Jeremy Shockey and was coached by yet another former UM TE in Rob Chudzinski who serves as the Panthers' offensive coordinator. All Greg did in 2012 was set a new Panthers receiving record for tight ends, which we hear made his coach very proud.
Greg's older brother Christian Olsen was talented enough to be offered a scholarship to attend Notre Dame in 2002. He originally signed with the Irish but would later transfer to the University of Virginia where he was a back-up QB for the Cavaliers from 2004-2006 and was named a team captain for the '06 season.
Now it is Greg's younger brother Kevin Olsen (seen below wearing #19 at the UAAA game practice) that is stepping into the spotlight for the University of Miami. Kevin, a highly rated QB from Wayne Hills, New Jersey (#65 in the ESPN top 50), has verbally committed to "The U" and will now become part of the Olsen legacy at Miami.
Here is what Gerry Hamilton from 247 Sports had to say about Kevin Olsen's performance in practice this week in Orlando: "The Miami commitment impressed with his overall command again on day two, along with his compact release and ability as a natural passer. Despite a breeze at times during the workout, the 6-foot-2.5, 190-pounder made sure throws in the intermediate game, and down the field in general. He also showed impressive pocket presence in the team portion of the practice."
Kevin had a challenging 2012 season after breaking his foot in the first game of his senior season and missing several games in what would be his father's final season. That's right, in case you didn't know, Kevin was being coached by his father Chris Olsen who ended a very successful 38 year high school coaching career at the conclusion of the 2012 season.
Chris was on hand as one of the volunteer coaches at the Under Armour All-American game practices in Orlando as was Kevin's mother Sue Olsen. I had the chance to casually chat with her about the Olsen football family and Kevin's choice to attend Miami.
Our conversation reminded me about when UM head coach Al Golden talks about recruiting "not just the player, but the entire family" he is talking about a family like the Olsens.
"It was Kevin's choice all the way" Sue Olsen said. "Sure we always loved Miami and we loved it when Greg was there. We offered some guidance but it was completely Kevin's decision to go to Miami. He was fortunate to have many offers and opportunities and could have gone to many different schools. But he went on an official visit to UM and just fell in love with the campus."
She continued, "I mean even the weather is great. Being from New Jersey where it is cold and there is snow on the ground right now we are standing here in Orlando wearing T-shirts and just loving it! But most importantly, Kevin loves Al Golden and has a really good relationship with the offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch. We know he will be successful at Miami."
We talked about the recent ESPN special about Greg Olsen and his newborn son's struggle with a heart defect at birth that would require several surgeries. "ESPN just did a fantastic job. It was a very sensitive subject and an extremely difficult time for our family. Kevin was injured, it was Chris's last season as head coach after 38 years and Greg was dealing with the medical issues surrounding his son. But everyone from ESPN was very professional and made Greg and his wife feel comfortable sharing their personal stories."
She brought up Greg's relationship with fellow former Hurricane and Chicago Bears teammate Devin Hester. "They were very close and became good friends both at Miami and in Chicago. Even after Greg was traded to Carolina last year they have stayed in touch. They still talk all the time."
With Kevin committed to Miami and his father Chris now retired from coaching, Sue (a retired teacher) told me that the Olsens plan on spending a lot of time in South Florida over the next few years attending UM football games and enjoying the warm weather.
We can't wait to see them at our Canespace tailgate parties and to see their son play for the Hurricanes while wearing the familiar "U" on his helmet.
You see, with the Olsen's, just like at The U, football is all in the family.
1st
Posted by: Montreal_Cane | January 04, 2013 at 09:51 PM
Dang! 2!
Posted by: The Dude | January 04, 2013 at 09:55 PM
3
Posted by: Jack | January 04, 2013 at 09:57 PM
A very good family indeed.
Posted by: Montreal_Cane | January 04, 2013 at 09:59 PM
Johnny Football is the greatest 1st half QB ever. Second half - not so much.
Posted by: BEERicane | January 04, 2013 at 10:00 PM
The U is so lucky to have Kevin Olsen. Coaches son, willing to redshirt, football family. This kid will do great things for us.
Posted by: The Dude | January 04, 2013 at 10:02 PM
Very nice family! Good article
Posted by: Jack | January 04, 2013 at 10:03 PM
Olsen founded Receptions For Research: The Greg Olsen Foundation in 2009, which helps fund cancer research.
One of his fundraising events includes Kicks for a Cure Kickball Tournament, the world’s largest charity kickball tournament. The large scale event is held annually each summer in Chicago’s Grant Park and hosts over 1,000 people. Kickball teams compete and have fun in an effort to raise money for cancer research.
Posted by: Montreal_Cane | January 04, 2013 at 10:13 PM
Boy the way glenn Miller played 9showing my age with that line, even if the real Glen Miller died decades before i was born)
Posted by: j.w. | January 04, 2013 at 10:14 PM
UM Men's Hockey UM 3 BAMA 2. 11:19 in 2nd.
Posted by: Montreal_Cane | January 04, 2013 at 10:20 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ah1h0wmTWLs
Ray.. lol
Posted by: [email protected]@ne | January 04, 2013 at 10:29 PM
Monty...here U go:
http://www.receptionsforresearch.org/
Posted by: 86Cane | January 04, 2013 at 10:34 PM
Bob Stoops and bowl games....
Posted by: Montreal_Cane | January 04, 2013 at 10:49 PM
Chokelahoma and the Little XII are in full effect.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | January 04, 2013 at 11:19 PM
Hmmmmmmmmmm...
http://www.baltimoreravens.com/team/coaches/Jim_Hostler/7d561e46-f5fa-40ae-83da-005cb923522d
Posted by: 86Cane | January 04, 2013 at 11:31 PM
The only reason I can think of why UM has NOT hired a WR coach is that he is still coaching in the NFL playoffs. I checked Seattle, Washington and Denver and could not find a candidate there that made sense. Are there other playioff teams that do?
I have checked all of the other college teams in bowl games and it is not like we are gonna hire away someone from Bama or ND or TAMU or OU. I am confused?
I still want the Duke WR coach but that deal could have been done weeks ago. Same with the GT WR coach. I don't get it?
Posted by: 86Cane | January 04, 2013 at 11:39 PM
I know duke's wr coach is good but to get someone from the NFL would be perfect!
Posted by: Brevardcane | January 04, 2013 at 11:40 PM
Don Soldinger.
Posted by: The Dude | January 05, 2013 at 12:31 AM
Posted by: 86Cane | January 04, 2013 at 11:31 PM
Yes very good choice. But is UM ready to pay him 500k? And give a raise to other coaches?
Posted by: Montreal_Cane | January 05, 2013 at 12:38 AM
OK guys this is funny as hell if you have never seen it, it will put a smile on your face right now...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rUswrL3qJY&NR=1&feature=endscreen
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | January 05, 2013 at 02:25 AM
Sorry this is the complete version and the funniest.
Michael Irvin giving a ride to Tebow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjUetl8sKmA
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | January 05, 2013 at 02:31 AM
Introducing the RAY LEWIS FACEMASK WAFFLE MAKER. It’s like getting viciously nailed in the face by 250 lbs. of flavor!
http://profootballmock.com/the-ray-lewis-facemask-waffle-maker/
Posted by: Old Skool | January 05, 2013 at 05:03 AM
one of the only few High School Corners ever, on film, that could silence Deion Sanders during a film study.
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=8548106
C.B. V.H. III is Special
Posted by: C.Girard | January 05, 2013 at 05:18 AM
Soup awesome article!!!! The olsens seem like down to earth family, cant wait to see kevin succeed at the U. God bless Gregs son, did they comment on the babies current condition? That was such a tough special to watch brought tears to my eyes, couldnt imagine going through that.....
Kevin had a tough time at the game but his oline was terrible!! Ramsey had 3 picks, morris sucked also....
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | January 05, 2013 at 08:49 AM
I just saw the clip where Thomas threw up the U.
Nice. Look close starting at 0:16.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nE3h2C3vcQg
Posted by: LB | January 05, 2013 at 08:57 AM
I just saw the clip where Thomas threw up the U.
Nice. Look close starting at 0:16.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nE3h2C3vcQg
Posted by: LB | January 05, 2013 at 08:57 AM
GOOD EYE!
Posted by: CaneRock | January 05, 2013 at 09:08 AM
I just saw the clip where Thomas threw up the U.
Nice. Look close starting at 0:16.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nE3h2C3vcQg
Posted by: LB | January 05, 2013 at 08:57 AM
GOOD EYE!
Posted by: CaneRock | January 05, 2013 at 09:08 AM
And it would've been more clear, if ESPN didn't "conveniently" switch over to the replay.
Posted by: CaneRock | January 05, 2013 at 09:14 AM
I just saw the clip where Thomas threw up the U.
Nice. Look close starting at 0:16.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nE3h2C3vcQg
Posted by: LB | January 05, 2013 at 08:57 AM
Thomas was NOT throwing up the U..got to look closer..its the same 4 finger sign he has been throwing up in AA pics..it may have even been a 2 and a 4 or a 1 and a 5...which of course is 6 his number lol
Posted by: UMike | January 05, 2013 at 09:20 AM
Great article on the Olsens.
Posted by: CGNC | January 05, 2013 at 09:48 AM
Awesome stuff 86.
Posted by: IraqiCane | January 05, 2013 at 09:57 AM
The only reason I can think of why UM has NOT hired a WR coach is that he is still coaching in the NFL playoffs
Posted by: 86Cane | January 04, 2013 at 11:39 PM
There is just no way this is possible. That's a major step down to go from a position coach in the NFL to a position coach in college, and especially to our school, where we pay assistants less than other big name schools, and where we would pay much much less than NFL position coaches.
Please don't use Fisch as an example, he went from position coach to OC, that's a big difference.
What I've heard is that the top 2 or 3 college targets we've gone after aren't biting and we're having to use a search firm now.
Posted by: CaneTemps | January 05, 2013 at 11:35 AM
Manziel looks like Wes Welker playing quarterback, if you put Peyton Manning's face upon him.
Posted by: Tonycane | January 05, 2013 at 11:56 AM
AQM set to announce in the 3rd quarter, game starts at 1:00
Posted by: UMike | January 05, 2013 at 12:54 PM
Also.. Theirs talk that alex collins coach is behind him looking at fsu and arkansas etc and that as long as its up to collins he will be at miami.. Guess we will see
Posted by: UMike | January 05, 2013 at 12:57 PM
AQM gonna picks Canes. Golden about to shock college football!!
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 05, 2013 at 01:14 PM
I don't really see the U being thrown up. . Kid Is a Miami guy so he should be a lock. But who knows. Go Canes!!
Posted by: Jack | January 05, 2013 at 02:07 PM
Thomas was NOT throwing up the U..got to look closer..its the same 4 finger sign he has been throwing up in AA pics..it may have even been a 2 and a 4 or a 1 and a 5...which of course is 6 his number lol
Posted by: UMike | January 05, 2013 at 09:20 AM
Well, I had my orange-n-green shades on, and I saw a U! LOL But nah, I looked at it after reading your post, He did look like He was doing what you mentioned.
Posted by: CaneRock | January 05, 2013 at 02:09 PM
CaneRock..if it helps i hope i wrong lol
Posted by: UMike | January 05, 2013 at 02:13 PM
Miami coaches were at under armor hotel last night and took a private jet to san antonio to be at army all star hotel
Posted by: UMike | January 05, 2013 at 02:34 PM
Aqm about to make his choice 2 min.... Tune in people!!!
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | January 05, 2013 at 02:50 PM
Hate watching these All-Star games and hearing SC has 13 commits in the game, ND having 6 or 7, etc. I know, I know, stars don't always matter, but it sure would be nice to see 7-8 future Canes in one of these games in a couple of years.
Now that I've got that lamentation out of the way, Muhammad is up next, and I can't wait for this!
Posted by: j.w. | January 05, 2013 at 02:51 PM
AQM PICKS CANES!!
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 05, 2013 at 02:53 PM
AQM the U!!!!!!
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | January 05, 2013 at 02:53 PM
Yes!
Posted by: j.w. | January 05, 2013 at 02:54 PM
Finally!!! A first rate defensive player.
Posted by: LatinCane | January 05, 2013 at 02:54 PM
And Green will be in there too..
RCCF12%
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000117339359 | January 05, 2013 at 02:55 PM
Welcome to the []_[]
Posted by: Keoki | January 05, 2013 at 02:55 PM
Based on that 30 second interview, the kid looks like the prototupe of what Golden wants. Humble, cares enough about his family, faith, and coaches to talk about them first, and respectful to all the staffs who recruited him. #future #leader!
Posted by: j.w. | January 05, 2013 at 02:56 PM
prototype ^
Posted by: j.w. | January 05, 2013 at 02:57 PM
I'm 2 for 2 on shocker picks for Canes. I'm just sayin.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 05, 2013 at 03:02 PM