One day after national signing day Anthony Olsen decided to de-commit from the University of Utah and flip his commitment to BYU (Class of 2022). He announced his decision via Twitter:
100% COMMITTED ‼️ @CoachRoderick @fsitake @kalanifsitake pic.twitter.com/zOyUojnEYo
— Anthony Olsen (@AnthonyOlsen13) February 3, 2022
Olsen is a 6-foot-4 220-pound tight end that preps at Olympus High School (Salt Lake City, Utah), where as a senior he had 35 receptions for 514 yards and four touchdowns, two punts returned for 25 yards, one PAT, 11 tackles (seven solo), six tackles for loss, five sacks, and two blocked punts. Olsen also plays on the Olympus basketball team.
It seems like Olsen does a little bit of everything, but it’s likely the Olympus coaching staff was simply trying him out in different positions to see where he could best contribute… because this was his first season of playing football!
Olsen has picked up the game quickly (in part thanks to training done with former Coug Ross Apo) and his highlights (shown at bottom of article) show how high his ceiling is. Look for him to be a major contributor at BYU after a few seasons of learning the ropes.
Though late to the recruiting game, Olsen still received offers from Austin Peay, Buffalo, Georgetown College, Tennessee State, Utah, Utah State, Weber State, and Yale. And it makes sense that BYU was late to the recruitment of Olsen as he just started this season and he lives in Salt Lake City–home of the Utes. He will start as a preferred walk on for the Cougs (for his first semester) but will be on scholarship starting January 1, 2023.
I caught up with Olsen to ask him about his recruiting.
BYU Insider: Why did you choose BYU?
Olsen: BYU has been a dream school of mine since I was little. My grandparents met at BYU when my grandpa played football for Lavell in the 70s and the experience changed his life and has held a special place for their family. As I started the recruitment process, I saw what a special place it was. After talking to Kalani and ARod, I felt how much they really wanted me. They were so genuine and positive. They really believe in me and I could feel that.
BYU Insider: What other schools were showing you love in the recruiting process?
Olsen: I had offers to Utah, Utah State, Yale, Georgetown, Weber State, University of Buffalo, Tennessee State, & Austin Peay
BYU Insider: What are some of your favorites?
Olsen: Like Mike (movie), The Weekend Music (band), and I love all music, even country!! I also love praline pecans ice cream and can’t wait to live in Provo close to the creamery. I love ice cream and always looked forward to my summers at BYU basketball camp and going to the creamery.
BYU Insider: What is one of your greatest accomplishment in sports?
Olsen: My football journey. I decided to play football less than a year ago. Even though it has been a short journey it required a lot of hard work and preparation to get here. I can’t wait for the next phase of this journey!
BYU Insider: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Olsen: When I spoke with Kalani Sitake last week about my recruitment he said “Listen to your parents and do whatever they say. I promise if you do that, you’ll live a good life!”
BYU Insider: Who is a current player that you seek to emulate on the field?
Olsen: Jimmy Graham (tight end for the Chicago Bears) because he was basketball player turned football player, just like me. He’s was so versatile and dominated.
