Oakland's Kaleb Oliver 'still committed' to Mississippi State, but exploring options
When Louisville announced it was hiring Mississippi State defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon to hold the same job with the Cardinals, a backlash of recruiting buzz followed.
That includes a pair of local seniors who have committed to the Bulldogs.
Oakland senior safety Kaleb Oliver, who has been a Mississippi State commitment since June, told The Daily News Journalthat he was still committed to the Bulldogs, but was going to continue exploring options.
"I'm still committed, but I just want to see what's still out there," said Oliver, a first-team All-Area player.
Oliver said Sirmon's move to Louisville was the reason for the latest recruitment move.
"He was one of the reasons that drew me to Mississippi State," Oliver said. "He was my recruiting coach and talked to me every day about my future."
The 39-year-old Sirmon, who was drafted by the Tennessee Titans and played for the franchise from 2000-06, will replace Todd Grantham at Louisville. Ironically, Grantham left Louisville to take the DC position at Mississippi State.
Sirmon was with the Bulldogs one season.
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Oliver isn't the only Midstate player potentially re-thinking a commitment to Mississippi State. Independence defensive back Landon Guidry told The Tennessean he was re-opening his recruitment process following Sirmon's announcement.
Commitments are non-binding for the athlete and the school. Athletes cannot sign until Feb. 1.
The 6-3, 200-pound Oliver had 82 tackles (16.5 for loss) with three sacks, three fumble recoveries and an interception for Oakland, which went 14-1 and finished as Class 6A state runner-up.
He declined to comment on which schools in which he may make future recruiting visits. He did say he has not set up any as of yet.
"I'm going to spend some time talking to my parents," he said.
He said he has reached out to Mississippi State to inform the program of his intentions, but they had yet to respond.
Oliver is one of four Rutherford County players who have committed to Southeastern Conference schools. His teammate at Oakland, safety JaCoby Stevens committed to LSU and has already enrolled there. La Vergne wide receiver Princeton Fant and linebacker Maleik Gray have both committed to Tennessee.
Riverdale safety Gentry Bonds committed to Georgia Tech and has also enrolled early.
Reach Cecil Joyce at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.
