Hagerstown’s Jalen Oliver with his parents Robert and Katie Lewis.
HAGERSTOWN, Ind. – Hagerstown football player Jalen Oliver announced his intention on Tuesday to attend Marian University in the fall.
“I chose Marian because it was the best fit and option for me,” Oliver said of the NAIA school in Indianapolis. “I felt wanted and that’s always a great feeling. Marian was just something I couldn’t walk away from.”
The Knights, who were 7-3 last season and ranked No. 18 under head coach Mark Henninger, compete in the Mid-States Football Association.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to play at Marian,” said Oliver, who is the son of Robert and Katie Lewis. “I know it’s not going to be easy.”
“I’m going to have to work for my spot,” Oliver continued. “It’s kind of like day one all over again having to get use to the collegiate level, but I’m blessed and up for the challenge.”
Oliver and teammate Owen Golliher both committed on Tuesday.
“The coaches really reached out to both Owen and I,” Oliver said. “When we went up for a visit, the both of us felt comfortable already joking around with them and just talking about the game of football.”
An All-Tri-Eastern Conference performer last fall, Oliver led Hagerstown with 34 catches and six receiving touchdowns. He gained 532 yards for the Tigers, who were 10-2 overall and league champs.
“I am really excited for them because Marian is a dominant program year in and year out,” Hagerstown Head Coach Scott Snodgrass said. “The amount of work ethic, attitude, and leadership skills that both have developed over the years will allow them to impact the program positively in every way. They are both just excellent young men.”
“Jalen finished his second year of football and has molded himself into an outstanding player,” Snodgrass added. “As a wide receiver, Jalen demonstrates great instincts after the catch.”
In his career, he had 55 grabs for 1,035 yards and 10 scores. He also rushed for 186 yards and five touchdowns, while returning kickoffs and punts.
Defensively, he led the Tigers with five interceptions in 2017 to give him six for his career.
“I know high school level to the college level is a big jump,” said Oliver, who is undecided about his major. “I’m ready for the opportunity.”
“Coach Snodgrass, who I can’t thank enough, has done so much for me,” Oliver added. “He has pushed me to get me stronger, faster and to be an overall better man. If it weren’t for him, I probably wouldn’t be even close to ready to play college football. I feel like if I just keep working and work more on the little things it should be a smooth transition.”
Oliver is currently a member of the Hagerstown basketball team and averages 15 points per game.