An Interview With CJ Olaniyan Comment Count

Brian

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

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.

Comments

The Other Brian

April 9th, 2009 at 4:27 PM ^

Olaniyan is near the top of my wishlist for defense. He is the definition of "flying under the radar" when it comes to the recruiting sites. He's a monster, and it would be AWESOME if he surprised everybody and committed this weekend, especially since MSU people are really confident about their chances with him (then again, they're confident that every recruit wants to play for Oscar the Grouch).