UB’s Oliver Making His Mark In NFL

Raise your hand if you thought Khalil Mack would be the 2014 NFL’s most productive rookie to come out of the University at Buffalo as the NFL wraps up its fifth week of regular season play.

It would be an easy conclusion. After all, Mack was the fifth overall pick by the Oakland Raiders and was at least in consideration for being the top overall pick in early May.  Meanwhile former UB running back Branden Oliver went undrafted before signing as a free agent with the San Diego Chargers, with their practice squad as the most realistic expectation to most.

Well, you’d be wrong.  Injuries to Ryan Matthews and Danny Woodhead paved the way for an opportunity with the Chargers and Oliver is making the most of it.  On Sunday against the New York Jets Oliver was arguably the best player on the field, producing 182 yards of total offense and two touchdowns as the Chargers romped the Jets, 31-0.  It should be noted New York entered the game the league’s top rushing defense.

The highlights of Oliver’s coming out party Sunday were a 50-yard reception in the first half and a 52-yard scamper in the third quarter.  In doing so Oliver became the first NFL rookie running back to have a 50-yard catch and run in the same game since Denver’s Clinton Portis in 2002.

Perhaps over time Oliver could become to San Diego what another undrafted running back, Fred Jackson has meant to the Bills.  One thing is for sure—Oliver is quickly making a name for himself around the league.

Just as with Mack, the more success Oliver has in the league the better recruiting tool it comes for UB in the coming years.

As for Mack, he’s off to a bit of a slow start with the Oakland Raiders after four games;  making 24 tackles but failing to register a sack or interception.