Justin Oliver

Big news out of Central Michigan that might have implications for the 2018-2019 Bison.

5th year senior and All American Justin Oliver was granted his release for his final year.

The schools he listed as schools he's interested in: Penn State, Iowa State, North Carolina State, and North Dakota State.

He'd be a great fit at 149, as we don't have an answer there and Van Maanen could bump up to 157 and challenge Mergen for that spot. Wouldn't tie up scholarship money long term and wouldn't block Van Maanen from potentially being a long term starter.

Oliver's former Central Michigan teammate Brent Fleetwood, who was a part of the same CMU recruiting class, transferred to NDSU last year after being a 2 time NCAA qualifier.

His teammate, Mason Smith 141, was also granted his release. Smith was in the top ten pretty much all year too.

https://www.flowrestling.org/article...ntral-michigan

This would be great for us, but what are the odds that we win the Justin Oliver sweepstakes? I doubt that we're the best option on his list for helping him reach the top of the podium. I'm hoping that he is best buds with Fleetwood, and that we are able to give him a good scholarship package. How much room for adjustments do coaches typically have at this time of year?

any real chance he joins up?

No clue what the odds of landing him are, but having Fleetwood has to help.

Iowa State has Jarret Degen who was R12 this year at 149 and has 3 tears of eligibility.

PSU has two former top 10 recruits in Verkleeren (who was a freestyle age level world champ) and Brady Berge who both have 4 years of eligibility.

NC State has Jamal Morris, who isn't a world beater but probably a top 20 guy. Morris will be a senior, so they don't have to worry about scaring off a long term option.

We offer a much cleaner fit for Oliver in terms of starting/blocking a highly touted recruit.

That being said, Oliver is better than all of those guys next year and offers at least a slight upgrade. However, they do have to balance the potential to chase off a young talent like Degen, Verkleeren, or Berge if they bring in Oliver.

Sounds like Oliver will visit Ames in 2 weeks. Not sure if/when he'll come to Fargo. It's a curious fit there, unless Degen is willing to go to 157. 149 is winnable at NCAAs next year, but 157 returns Jason Nolf

Oliver chose NC State a few minutes ago.