Notre Dame Firmly In Mix For Versatile TE Erik Olsen

Jon Marine knows it’s difficult to compare even the best high school prospects to NFL stars, but when talking about 2021 Colorado tight end Erik Olsen‍, Marine sees an obvious comparison.

George Kittle.

“One play he can be in the run blocking and pancaking somebody and the next play he could be running a streak down the field,” says Marine, who serves as offensive coordinator for Olsen’s 7-on-7 program Full Gorilla.

“There are a lot of good tight ends in Colorado this year for some reason. But he’s different with how blue-collar he is.”

Olsen is also a standout basketball player and holds plenty of high school lifting records, according to Marine.

“He’s also 6-5, 230, so he’s only going to get bigger,” says Marine. “He’s a very good basketball player, so he’s got that. He can box out and go up and get the ball.

“He’s special to where I think you don’t see it this generation with complete tight ends where they can block and run and catch. I think that’s what makes him special.”

In addition to his God-given talent, Olsen also has an elite work ethic.

“He’s at every practice,” says Marine. “The good thing about him is he stays every day after practice and works with our receiver coach for an hour. He brings a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to eat after our two-hour practices and stays after and works to get his feet right and stuff like that.”

He also has the attitude of a top player.

“He’s quiet, just reserved when you’re not in the game, but he’s one of those guys who flips the switch when the game starts and can be that rah-rah guy,” says Marine. “He’s a big body, so people are trying to attack him. Linebackers and safeties are trying to hit him. He welcomes it like, ‘C’mon! Keep bringing it.’”

College coaches have certainly taken notice.

The Heritage High School star released a Top 10 of Utah, Iowa State, UCLA, Nebraska, Arizona State, Washington, Stanford, Cal, Kansas State and Colorado back in April. He was about to trim that list down to five before Notre Dame extended an offer last week.

“When he got this offer, he’s like, ‘Coach, I might have to change my Top 5,’” says Marine.

The tradition, including the Play Like A Champion Today sign and the movie “Rudy”, along with Notre Dame’s history using tight ends are big reasons for the interest in the Irish.

“He really talked about all of that stuff,” says Marine. “He was like, ‘Holy crap! I have a chance to touch the same sign.’ 

“I think with Notre Dame offering him, it kind of changed his thought process. It really made him think.”

On Monday, Olsen announced a Top 6 that includes Notre Dame, Stanford, Washington, UCLA, Nebraska and Colorado.