Oliver ready to contribute

Adjust font size

Monday, May 19, 2008
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

Following the Chargers’ minicamp two weeks ago, Bolts defensive back Paul Oliver stopped a teammate and asked a question that was a bit unusual coming from a player entering his second professional season.

“I had to ask somebody what (Offseason Coaching Sessions) were like,” Oliver said. “I’ve been through a whole season but the offseason stuff is new to me. It’s a unique situation but I’m going to use these next few weeks.”

Last summer, Oliver was selected by the Chargers in July’s Supplemental Draft, meaning OCS’s were already in the books by the time the Georgia Bulldog became a Bolt. Oliver came to training camp ready to learn but knew he was a bit behind.

“It was a little tough but I made the most of it,” Oliver said. “During training camp and the whole season I really tried to learn what was going on and figure out where I was going to fit in best. I learned the entire defense. I knew all the calls and all the checks. I tried to make sure I was ready when I got my chance.”

Oliver was inactive for all 16 regular-season games as well as the Bolts’ three playoff games last season, but as the Chargers began their 2008 OCS’s Monday, he finds himself right in the mix and ready to contribute.

“It’s coming a little quicker than if I hadn’t been here last year,” Oliver said. “I don’t have to think as much so I can play faster. Everything I learned last year, it’s definitely helping now. These OCS’s are big for me because it’s a chance to apply what I’ve learned and really take a step toward becoming the player I want to be.”

Secondary Coach Bill Bradley lauded Oliver’s approach to the game as a rookie and praised his young pupil for his work this offseason as well.

“He was attentive on everything (last year),” Bradley said. “He didn’t lose focus. This offseason has just been fantastic. He’s worked so hard. He’s a physical football player. He plays with good discipline and good eyes and he’s going to help us.”

Now it’s simply a question of exactly where Oliver will contribute. The Chargers drafted the 5-10, 195 pound Oliver as a cornerback but knew he possessed the skills to play in different places. During minicamp and the first day of OCS’s, he served as the Bolts’ third cornerback in their nickel package and also worked at free safety with the second-team defense.

“He’s a smart guy,” Head Coach Norv Turner said. “He can play corner. We’re playing him at safety some and on third down playing him in the slot at corner. He’s a natural in the slot. He’s got good instincts. He sees the ball. He’s going to have a real good chance to compete and play that position.”

Oliver has enjoyed everything he’s been asked to do and says he has no preference as to where he lines up.

“It’s just fun to be out there,” Oliver said. “Whether I’m up pressing a guy or sitting back playing centerfield and reading the quarterback’s eyes, I just want to be on the field. I know I still have to grow a lot as a player but I’m working hard to do that.”

Have an opinion on this story? Share it on the team's official message boards.

Visit the forums

Find out what others are saying about the Chargers. Visit Daily Clips.

Already registered? Login here.