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.
Ohio... So is everyone else lol..love all the Miami players on Twitter getting excited about a commit.. Not jealous but happy to get someone to help build the program
Posted by: UMike | January 05, 2013 at 03:03 PM
So what game did Olsen play in yesterday?
Posted by: CoCane | January 05, 2013 at 03:06 PM
Don basco is a hell of a school to get a pipeline in
Posted by: UMike | January 05, 2013 at 03:22 PM
Co.. He was in the under armor game
Posted by: UMike | January 05, 2013 at 03:22 PM
Tim reynolds is saying that AQMs commitment could lead to a few others commiting
Posted by: UMike | January 05, 2013 at 03:24 PM
AQM PICKS CANES!!
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 05, 2013 at 02:53 PM
AQM is the real deal. This class is going to be a good one.
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 05, 2013 at 03:26 PM
What a great way to wake up! AQM picks THE U and the basketball team up by 23 points with 7 min left. Yep. Gonna be a good day.
Posted by: KiriJax | January 05, 2013 at 04:02 PM
Canes b ball playing good!!
Posted by: Jack | January 05, 2013 at 04:08 PM
Golden really pulled off something special by getting into Don Bosco and nabbing their best defensive player.
You called it, Ohio. Care to make any other bold predictions? :)
Posted by: LB | January 05, 2013 at 04:23 PM
Check out this guy for 2014:
http://rivals.yahoo.com/miami/football/recruiting/player-Tyrell-Smith-145347;_ylt=AjW9WChywBNropbovOJ0bRhIspB4
Posted by: LB | January 05, 2013 at 04:24 PM
I can't stand reading the comments at the herald anymore. Too many negative Nancys, errrr
Nice win by Canes B Ball!
Posted by: Jack | January 05, 2013 at 04:28 PM
Have any other notable Canes come from Don Bosco?
Posted by: CaneRock | January 05, 2013 at 04:30 PM
Nice win by the 'Canes bball team. Nice to start 1-0 in the ACC.
Posted by: MIA Chi 'Cane '98 | January 05, 2013 at 04:42 PM
So what game did AQM play in???
Posted by: CoCane | January 05, 2013 at 04:57 PM
Good win for the basketball team! Feeling much better since Hawaii. @Tarheels next!
Posted by: KiriJax | January 05, 2013 at 04:59 PM
all american game in houston,tx... was golden and co really their
Posted by: laquinton | January 05, 2013 at 05:10 PM
Sweet pick up Al! Way to go staff!
Posted by: The Dude | January 05, 2013 at 05:21 PM
The army game was head and shoulders better than the under armour game....
Were a month away from signing day.... Who do we end up with people??
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | January 05, 2013 at 05:45 PM
Great news about AQM. This class is really shaping up. I'd like to see another DT though.
Posted by: TLuv | January 05, 2013 at 06:19 PM
Gooooo RAVENS!!!
Posted by: Jack | January 05, 2013 at 07:34 PM
Tim reynolds is saying that AQMs commitment could lead to a few others commiting
Posted by: UMike | January 05, 2013 at 03:24 PM
Yes sir it will. Al Golden is the man!
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | January 05, 2013 at 07:57 PM
According to papacane.. We will get a commit in the next few days.. 4-star player who is not local on the defensive side
Posted by: UMike | January 05, 2013 at 07:59 PM
Miami's victory today over Georgia Tech marked win No. 500 in the career of Jim Larranaga
Send Your Congratulations to Coach L
http://www.hurricanesports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=28700&ATCLID=205875660
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | January 05, 2013 at 08:02 PM
Sam Shields "THE U"
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | January 05, 2013 at 08:12 PM
According to papacane.. We will get a commit in the next few days.. 4-star player who is not local on the defensive side
Posted by: UMike | January 05, 2013 at 07:59 PM
__________________________________
He left that one out in the open, didn't he? Lol
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 05, 2013 at 08:13 PM
Who is deleting posts tonight?
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | January 05, 2013 at 08:36 PM
Ohio.. He sure did... Im thinking its williams
Posted by: UMike | January 05, 2013 at 08:38 PM
Watch the highlights Miami 62 GT 49.
Rion Brown had his best game ever for the U.
http://www.hurricanesports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=28700&ATCLID=205723324
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | January 05, 2013 at 08:41 PM
I'm thinking Williams too; it would be cool if it was foster but he's a 5 star I think
Posted by: Brevardcane | January 05, 2013 at 08:58 PM
Brevard...Foster is a long shot at best imo..it is no secret Williams has liked Miami all along and just a few days ago Papacane said he expected commitments from AQM and Williams this weekend.
Posted by: UMike | January 05, 2013 at 09:11 PM
Alabama DB remembers Larkin as football phenom
Clinton-Dix, who was one of the nation’s top defensive back recruits in the 2011 signing class, recalls Larkin gashing defenses as a quarterback, running back and defensive back.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/sfl-shane-larkin-was-better-football-player-former-hs-teammate-says-20130105,0,361196.story
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | January 05, 2013 at 09:48 PM
Ohio...did U see the DM from U know who?
SHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhh.
Posted by: 86Cane | January 05, 2013 at 09:54 PM
Looks like that commitment Papacane is talking about might not be Williams. According to Pete Ariz Miami is in the lead for William, but he doesnt want to commit anywhere until he visits
Posted by: UMike | January 05, 2013 at 10:32 PM
Posted by: 86Cane | January 05, 2013 at 09:54 PM
I didn't see it LOL
Posted by: WWIN | January 05, 2013 at 10:56 PM
A non-local 4 star defensive player:
Williams (no), Foster (5 star), I doubt it'd be Montravious Adams.
Ngakoue (losing Paul may help in this part) or Elijah Daniel. I'd say 2014, but it seems to come with AQM's announcement... thus a 2013 guess.
Good to see some momentum on defense, though. I hope it's another defensive lineman.
Posted by: LB | January 06, 2013 at 08:43 AM
Did Luke and Randy Shannon date or something? Sheesh.
The 2012 class was more productive in one year than the 2008 class was in 4 years.
Posted by: LB | January 06, 2013 at 08:59 AM
UMike and LB...I do NOT want that Luke stuff on this blog. U guys did not do anything wrong, I know U were just trying to bring the news, but that is NOT real news and not the kind of thing we want here.
Thanks!
Posted by: 86Cane | January 06, 2013 at 09:41 AM
86.. No problem
Posted by: UMike | January 06, 2013 at 09:57 AM
I can't stand reading the comments at the herald anymore. Too many negative Nancys, errrr
Nice win by Canes B Ball!
Posted by: Jack | January 05, 2013 at 04:28 PM
---------------------------------------------------
Man, I hear you on that. Between all those so-called negative azz 'canes fans' and Luke who needs fswho and gayturds trolls talking that booty chatter.
Posted by: DeployedDiehardCane | January 06, 2013 at 09:59 AM
Monday is going to suck-I hate both!
Video of Bama and ND fans exchanging pleasantries on South Beach
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/sfl-bcs-fans-scuffle-on-south-beach-20130105,0,2158975.story
Posted by: TJL | January 06, 2013 at 10:28 AM
UMike...I just sent U another present via email! LOL
Posted by: 86Cane | January 06, 2013 at 11:20 AM
86... Just got all 3 emails.. Thanks
Posted by: UMike | January 06, 2013 at 12:30 PM
Go Ravens
Go Skins
Posted by: TJL | January 06, 2013 at 12:39 PM
Has this been posted yet? There was a clip where #6 threw up the U after a big hit, it wasn't very clear if he was really doing that . .
But i did find this one on youtube and clearly this one was a real []_[] sign, dunno' if he was just doing it out of requests or he is giving up some clues as to where he is really going.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inRBk_UFz3w
Posted by: Sean Spence is a Beast!!! | January 06, 2013 at 12:40 PM
SSIB, I think he was just making some fans happy. Imo
Posted by: UMike | January 06, 2013 at 12:44 PM
UMike, if that is the case it still is a good thing he is willing to do it, a lot of kids are dead set with the team they like and do not like throwing signs of other schools.
Posted by: Sean Spence is a Beast!!! | January 06, 2013 at 12:47 PM
Go Ravens
Go Skins
Posted by: TJL | January 06, 2013 at 12:39 PM
There IT is right there.
GO NFLU!
Posted by: 86Cane | January 06, 2013 at 01:58 PM
SSIB.. I agree.. Im just not ready to say its a sure sign lol...but a good sign
Posted by: UMike | January 06, 2013 at 02:25 PM
Its official.. finnie is off team. Another spot open.. Wish the young man the best
Posted by: UMike | January 06, 2013 at 02:28 PM
Robert Weiner is leaveing Plant High School to be WR coach at USF
Posted by: UMike | January 06, 2013 at 02:32 PM