An Interview With CJ Olaniyan

Still Tom doing these, obviously. Next up: Michigan's attempt to extend their rich history of guys named CJ.

CJ Olaniyan is a defensive end prospect from Warren Mott, and will be visiting Michigan this weekend. CJ has gotten national attention, holding offers from Michigan, Kentucky, Virginia Tech, and Oregon to name a few. As a junior he had 85 tackles and 9 sacks.

Take a look at our conversation, and the bold statement he makes about his recruitment.

TOM: You’re heading up to Michigan for the spring game, what are you most excited to see? What are you going to pay attention to the most?

CJ: I want to see the coaches mostly, and how the defense is coached. I haven’t gotten to see that yet, and that’s what’s most important to me.

TOM: Is anyone coming with you, or any other recruits you’ve been talking to about the game?

CJ: Martez Kelly might come with me, and there have been a few guys I’ve spoken to, like Austin Gray. [Probably not since he committed to Iowa since this interview took place. –ed] Everybody thinks it’s going to be a good time.

TOM: Have you been in contact with Greg Robinson, or any of the defensive coaches?

CJ: We just email really. I talk to the coaches about what kind of defense they run, and how I would fit in there.

TOM: What kind of defense are you familiar with, or what would you like to play in?

CJ: We run a 4-3. It doesn’t matter to me what kind is run at different schools. Just as long as I can play, and I get a chance to show what I can do.

TOM: You’ve been getting a lot of attention lately. What school surprised you the most, or intrigues you the most?

CJ: My coach gave me a break down of what was going to happen, and what schools would probably offer, so I haven’t’ really been surprised necessarily. He did a good job of prepping me.

TOM: Is it going to be important for you to stay close to home?

CJ: Not necessarily. I’m not going to look at that when I decide. It’s just going to be about where I fit in, and how comfortable I feel.

TOM: Is there a kind of pride thing with staying in state? Have you talked to any of the other recruits about staying in state?

CJ: Yea, I mean it would be cool to have my family stay, and to play where you’re from. I’ve talked to a couple of the instate guys about it. Austin Gray, and I talked about it before, and thought it would be pretty cool. I don’t know if they will or not, but we’ve mentioned it.

TOM: What are your strengths, what do you think you do the best?

CJ: I just make plays. I do what I’m told, and make the play. I would say my pass rush is the best part of my game though.

TOM: What areas are you going to try to work on this season?

CJ: I’m mostly going to work on my hand work with my stances, getting the right positions, and fundamentals down. I’m going to get bigger, so I always need to work on the fundamentals.

TOM: What’s your top 3 look like right now?

CJ: I think about everybody the same. I don’t want to name any tops right now, I’m not too sure.

TOM: When will you make your decision? Is there a possibility you could make one this weekend?

CJ: My goal is to have it done by the beginning of the season; the middle of the season at the latest. But, yea there’s a possibility one could come this weekend, I’m not sure yet.