Aggie Flashback with Aaron Oliver

Notes from Aaron Oliver interview

* His father, Al Oliver, compiled more than 2,700 hits during his time in the MLB. It’s a little disappointing that his father isn’t in the MLB Hall of Fame yet, but because he didn’t play in many media-centric cities, it’s almost understandable that he didn’t garner the same attention that other players did during that time.

* He grew up in Arlington and had pretty free reign of the clubhouses his father played in when he was young. He and a couple other kids would have a field day in the clubhouses because there was always catered food or candy of some sort around because of the players.

* After his parents divorced when he was going into the seventh grade, he stayed in Texas to live with his mom. His middle school fed into Lamar high school, and because it was such a football oriented school, the obvious choice for him was to get on the grid iron with the other kids. Had his dad stayed in Arlington after the divorce, he probably would have ended up playing both football and baseball, but he let baseball go around ninth grade and instead picked up running track.

* ‘The Guerrillas’, as the wide receivers were called back when he was on the team, focused on being ready when called upon (which was much less than it is now). They were the under-the-radar weapon, and the name, ‘The Guerrillas’ really defined their style of play; taking pride in not only catching the ball but make extremely good blocks as well. After talking to people like Terrence Murphy and Uzoma Nwachukwu throughout the years, he was happy to learn that the Guerrillas’ name had been carried on down the line.

* While he was playing, the team was a team both on and off the field. Everyone would always hang out together outside of practice, which says a lot about the chemistry they had while he was on campus. He is a strong believer that you’re more likely to play harder on the field for your friend, than for someone who is only your teammate.

* He was recently engaged after dating his fiancé for about a year and a half. He’s currently coaching track at Crowley high school in the metroplex area, as well as coaching the wide receivers and helping with the passing game for their football team.

* Every time he watches A&M play, he always wishes that he would have had a shot to play in this system. While a lot of people were writing A&M off and saying that they weren’t ready for the SEC, he was of the thinking that if the defense could play a little higher than expected, A&M could make some noise during their first year in the new conference. Johnny Manziel is basically a running back with an arm, which is amazing in itself. Things are only going to get better from here for A&M in their new home.

* Mike Evans is a very good player that he had no idea would contribute the way he has so far this year. He thought that A&M was going to have a hard time replacing Jeff Fuller on the outside, but Evans has stepped up and filled that void. He loves watching the physicality and tenacity that Evans plays with on every down. If A&M can keep some linemen around (on both sides of the ball) things are looking pretty good for the Aggies in years to come.