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Braelen Oliver
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6’1’’
Weight: 218
40: 4.79
Hometown: Douglasville, GA
247 Sports Composite Rating: .8511
Power 5 Scholarship Offers: Colorado, Indiana, Iowa State, N.C. State, Rutgers, Wake Forest, and West Virginia
Scouting Report
Oliver played running back, wide receiver, linebacker, and safety at Douglasville County High School. Obviously, he is a versatile athlete with a high football I.Q. As a senior on the defensive side of the ball, Oliver collected 164 tackles, five sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble. He is a physical defender who runs downhill, doesn’t shy way from contact, and takes good angles to the ball. His athleticism on the offensive side of the ball bodes well for his ability to drop into coverage and match up against tight ends and running backs.
Potential Impact
Oliver will play outside linebacker for Minnesota. The Gophers are loaded at linebacker with seniors Blake Cashman and Julian Huff and sophomores Thomas Barber, Carter Coughlin, and Kamal Martin, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he sees the field this fall.