Rumors are swirling that Greg Olsen is NFL bound after the bowl game and won’t even stick around to find out who the next Miami head coach will be.
Part of me doesn’t blame Olsen. If I were 6’5″ and an athletic 252 lbs. I too would be frustrated with my lack of production in the Miami offense. Though there’s still a bowl game in a few weeks, Olson currently has 38 receptions this season and one touchdown; the late, garbage score against Georgia Tech in a 30-23 loss.
The past two seasons weren’t much better. In 2005, Olsen had a mere 31 receptions for 451 yards and four touchdowns. He replaced Kellen Winslow II in 2004, splitting time with Kevin Everett and only had 16 receptions for 275 yards and one touchdown, which came in the thrilling 41-38 victory against Louisville.
Over the past three seasons, Olsen has seen two different offensive coodinators and three different quarterbacks. Not exactly the consistency this Notre Dame transfer was looking for when he bailed the Irish a few years back.
NFL teams literally salivate over athletic tight ends. Tony Gonzalez started the trend and Miami its part sending guys like Bubba Franks, Jeremy Shockey and K2 to the league. Since their arrival, guys like Antonio Gates and Heath Miller have also emerged. Some team out there is ripe and ready for a kid like Olsen to show up and get it done.
He’ll test his Draft status in the coming weeks and if Olsen is a sure second rounder, I believe he’s gonzo – even though he’s done little during his time at The U. Crazy to think that a good showing at the combine is almost as meaningful as four good years as a starter…
Olsen is 21 years old and after three years at Miami, I can appreciate his frustration. He couldn’t have picked a worse time to head to The U as the Canes’ offense has been an abomination these past four seasons. Not exactly the “Dorsey to Shockey” or “Dorsey to Winslow” scenarios he envisioned when transferring to Miami.
That said, I hope he doesn’t rush this decision. He can be an impact player at the next level, but why not at least keep those options open until you know who the next Hurricanes head coach will be?
Sure, a guy like Frank Gore was a third round pick and is blowing it up with the 49ers right now but Gore couldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth. With three ACL injuries and a diabetic mother in need of care, Gore literally had to take the money and run. Blow it up (like he is) and get that big pay day when renegotiating a few years down the road.
Olsen doesn’t have that same type of pressure. He can afford another year in school, honing in on his craft. Especially if Miami lands a pass-happy head coach who utilizes the tight end. Olsen could stick around and play himself into the first round for big time money and have an immediate impact like Shockey and Miller have.
I can certainly understand the temptation those NFL dollars provide, but #82 needs to realize that day is coming, be it April 2007 or 2008. Don’t rush the decision. Wait and see who Miami chooses to take over this program.
We’re talking second or third round money versus first round money. You’re only an NFL Draft pick once and careers only last so long. Test the waters? Sure. But there’s no reason for a rash decision.
Especially if Miami gets an offensive guy in the mix. Olsen could be a household name and first round by the 2008 Draft if he plays his cards right. Right now, physique alone gets him no more than late second round/early third round money.
.:Canes305:.