In this series, I will break down a player each week that all IDP devy fantasy managers should have on their devy portfolio and the impact that he can have on your fantasy teams.. This week’s IDP Devy Diamond player is Collin Oliver, a sophomore defensive end, for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. I will give you his past, present, and future and everything you need to know about the next potential big star.
The Past
Collin Oliver was a three-star recruit from Sante Fe High School in Edmond, OK where he was a two-sport athlete in football and track. As a senior, he led the Wolves to a 10-3 record and runner-up finish in the 6A-1 Class. Oliver was named the Central Oklahoma Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2020 and an all-state selection in 2020. He was having a solid junior year (33 tackles, seven TFLs, and one interception) before an injury ended his season.
Oliver was a big contributor (56 tackles, six TFLs, and three sacks) as a sophomore as well. He finished his career with 155 tackles, 30 TFLs, seven sacks, one interception, and two fumble recoveries. He also Placed third at the 2019 Oklahoma 6A state championship in the high jump and ninth in the long jump. Oliver was ranked the 400th player overall nationally, 46th linebacker, and 6th player in the state of Oklahoma. He chose Oklahoma State over schools such as Georgia, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Arkansas to name a few.
The Present
As a true freshman, Oliver would make an immediate impact for Oklahoma State, where he was the unanimous Big-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year winner and Freshman All-American honors. He was also a finalist for Freshman of the Year. In 14 games played, Oliver registered 29 tackles, 20 solos, 15½ TFLs, 10½ sacks, for 76 yards lost, and one forced fumble. His 10½ sacks were 7th in the NCAA and set a new Oaklahoma State freshman record. His season total also ranks 7th all-time in the school's record books.
Despite only making one start on the season, Oliver was one of five Oklahoma State defenders to record ten plus tackles for a loss on the season. The Cowboys lost two of those five players and will need Oliver to pick up some of the slack. He’s listed as a defensive end but at 6’2”/225 lbs Oliver could move to linebacker for the Cowboys. What will he do for an encore for his sophomore season? We’ll have to wait and see but he will be a major part of that defense
The Future
There will be a lot of pressure for this week’s IDP Devy Diamond to repeat last season's success. At this point, Oliver’s future looks bright and looks to potentially get even brighter. Oliver has the size and frame to play either as an edge or as a linebacker. He’s an explosive, athletic, and strong player that can be used in multiple ways to take advantage of matchups. He’s not oblivious to the obstacles ahead after such a great season either. Oliver knows and is prepared to take his game to the next level. The Cowboys had one of their best defenses ever a season ago and Oliver was a big part of that. Now that he has a full cycle of games, off-season, and spring workouts Oliver will be ready to lead this defense for the next couple of seasons.
Fantasy Outlook
When doing my fantasy research on Oliver, I was surprised to see that he was only rostered in just 60% of IDP devy leagues. That is super low for a player of his caliber and that still has multiple years of college eligibility. I quickly went to my IDP Campus 2 Canton leagues that I’m in to see if he was available. I added him to my watchlist in one league and will put a claim in soon as waivers begin running and traded for him in another. The trade for Oliver cost me $65 recruiting bucks, which isn’t a bad price at all for a top-end pass rusher. Never ignore looking at waivers or making an offer for a player that you think might not be available. Oliver will easily be a high source of tackles for a loss and sacks and a great investment for your IDP Devy portfolios.
Thanks for reading my IDP Devy Diamond article. I am a member of the FSWA (Fantasy Sports Writers of America). Follow me on Twitter at @HollywoodTitan, on Facebook on my IDPNation page, and on Reddit in the fantasy football IDP sub — I’m user KingTitan1. You can also tune in each week and listen to IDP Nation, Shoot the Gap, and Devy IDP Grind podcasts that I co-host, on several different platforms. Feel free to email or dm me any questions you have, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy.
