It was only a matter of time for the floodgates to open for the 2023 recruiting class. Let’s welcome the first commit to the class, RB DJ Oliver out of Port Saint Joe, FL!
RB DJ Oliver (Port St. Joe HS)
Committed to the Bulls on May 27th, Oliver becomes the first commitment to the 2023 recruiting class thus far. With his sophomore season derailed due to injury, Oliver did more than put up “average” numbers in his junior season for Port St. Joe, compiling 2,067 total yards from scrimmage, 25 total TDs, and 107 total tackles in 2021. Oliver finished the 2021 season as a top 20 rusher in the state of Florida (17) after slashing for 1,689 yards on 124 carries (13.6 yds./att.) and punching in 20 TDs on the ground. Outside of football, Oliver has been dominant in track & field, putting up impressive numbers in the 100 meter dash, shot put, and weightlifting categories at the state level. Currently, Oliver has reported offers from Navy, UAB, Florida Atlantic, Central Michigan, and Army to name a few.
DJ Oliver's Rushing Stats by Game 2021
| Date | Result | Opponent | Car. | Yds. | Avg | 100+ | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08/27 | W 35-0 | Marianna | 9 | 105 | 11.7 | 1 | 3 |
| 09/03 | W 36-0 | Jefferson County | 12 | 116 | 9.7 | 1 | 3 |
| 09/17 | W 34-0 | Wewahitchka | 4 | 106 | 26.5 | 1 | 2 |
| 09/24 | W 34-2 | Rutherford | 16 | 239 | 14.9 | 1 | 3 |
| 10/08 | L 36-40 | South Walton | 19 | 204 | 10.7 | 1 | 2 |
| 10/15 | W 48-28 | Bay | 13 | 298 | 22.9 | 1 | 2 |
| 10/22 | W 50-13 | Jay | 3 | 51 | 17.0 | 0 | 0 |
| 10/29 | W 21-20 | Lafayette | 22 | 177 | 8.0 | 1 | 2 |
| 11/05 | W 50-26 | Dixie County | 11 | 315 | 28.6 | 1 | 3 |
| 11/19 | L 6-45 | Madison County | 15 | 78 | 5.2 | 0 | 0 |
| Totals | 124 | 1,689 | 13.6 | 8 | 20 |
Link to Local Article: PSJ star running back DJ Oliver commits to USF
Mike’s Take
The big back from the Panhandle is a perfect addition to a backfield that is looking for some variety when it comes to the position with a current running back group that consists of smaller backs that can knife their way through a defense at all levels. Oliver is a freak athlete whose measurements are already impressive at the next level and if you are looking for a guy that can step into the Jaren Mangham role down the line, look no further than the 6-0, 237 LB pound back out of Port St. Joe. Welcome to the Bulls DJ!
USF Football Class of 2023
# Name Pos. School 247 Rivals
1 Connor Knight DL Hewitt-Trussville 0.8652 5.6
2 Tawfiq Byard S DeMatha Catholic 0.8478 5.5
3 DJ Oliver RB Port Saint Joe 0.8417 5.5