Blue Chips: Father of Top 100 TE Andrew Olesh goes in-depth on Michigan as decision nears

I recently caught up with George Olesh, father of Top 100 Center Valley (Pa.) Southern Lehigh tight end Andrew Olesh, to get his thoughts on Michigan, the recruiting process and more.

Here are some highlights from the interview.

On their recent official visit to Michigan:

“We really enjoyed it. They helped accommodate us because Andrew and I were flying back from Los Angeles for the Elite 11 finals. He was out there catching some passes Tuesday and Wednesday in between the Penn State and Michigan visits. We were able to fly right into Detroit on Thursday. It was a rough week, but it made our travel a lot easier. I thought we had a really good time with the coaching staff. I know Coach (Steve) Casula a lot better. Obviously, this was only our second visit to Michigan. We got around campus a little bit more. We spent some time with Coach (Sherrone) Moore. It was great. I think Andrew really enjoyed it. We did, too. We stayed at The Graduate. It was nice to get the process done. It was our fourth and final official visit. He’s just taking his time with his decision. It was good to get back on campus and see how things were when it was a little bit warmer. We were there in March, and it was about 20 degrees out. But the big takeaway was building on the relationships with the coaches. Also, getting in there with Kirk (Campbell) and checking out how (Andrew) is going to be utilized in the offense. They broke down a lot of film for us — Coach Casula as well. It made me feel a lot more comfortable with the staff.”

On Michigan tight ends coach Steve Casula:

“He’s great. He’s really personable. He’s coming off being an offensive coordinator at UMass. He has that experience overlooking the entire offense. I was impressed with the film he was breaking down. It wasn’t just plays. He would show what he taught in practice and how he would bring it over to the spring game. I really liked that. I like the details of how Andrew would be coached. Coach Casula is knowledgeable. He’s had some experience at different levels coaching tight ends. This is his first Power 4 opportunity at this position. There is some unknown there, but I feel confident that he’s going to be able to do a good job if Andrew comes to Michigan.”

On Michigan offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell breaking down film:

“Honestly, I had some concerns about the run-pass ratio, being as high as it was at Michigan last year. It was 58/42. But a lot of those games were run heavy in the second half due to the score and things of that nature. But it looks like he’s planning to bring some of his own plays and passing ideologies to the offense. I found that to be encouraging. The way that he plans to utilize Andrew is much like the way Colston Loveland is used. That was a big thing that’s been stressed in his recruitment. They feel like he’s as talented as Colston is and has the potential to be that type of player. Watching the different plays that Coach Campbell put out there, it was definitely beneficial.”

On meeting with new Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore:

“It went well. I was actually able to work out with Coach Moore. We had breakfast on Friday. He talked about his workout regimen. He said ‘you look like you lift weights’ or something like that. He was telling me about it. I was like ‘I should go work out with you tomorrow.’ He was like ‘yeah, you should.’ That was really cool. He put me through the wringer. I couldn’t completely keep up with him, but I hung in there the best I could (laughs). But the final meeting was really good. It cemented everything he is in a coach. I know Andrew is very respectful of Coach Moore. The continuation of what Michigan is trying to build on as national champions, I think he’s going to carry the torch as the next head coach and be very successful there.”

On why Michigan is a finalist:

“Obviously, you have the mix of success on the field and in the classroom. Michigan is one of the top schools that has recruited Andrew, along with Duke. What we like is the combination of both education and the chance to compete at the highest level. Also, it’s very important for Andrew with how things fit with playing time and his development as a player. For me, it’s really important for him to be developed as a person as well. I know the guys at Penn State a lot better, and I feel 100 percent comfortable with them. But from what I’ve seen at Michigan, it’s a similar type of mindset. I think that’s what Andrew needs as a player and person — to be able to grow and mature and become a great man as well as a great football player.”

On how the family is handling the recruiting process as a decision nears:

“He’s pushed off his announcement date until next week, it looks like. Whether or not he comes to a decision before then is to be determined. We’re trying to come to a decision, but it’s his choice. It’s his decision. I want it to be his decision. His mom is pretty dead set on the Wolverines. But I want him to go to Michigan because he wants to go there and he decides that’s the place for him. There is going to be input from his mother, and I came up with a list of 14 items that I think are impactful for his recruitment, from varying degrees of importance. We went over that yesterday. At this point, it’s hard to say. He’s been rather clandestine about his feelings. He told me last week that he was leaning towards Michigan. Then we had the call with Alabama, and we’ve had some discussions with Penn State. Honestly, I can’t give you a definitive answer. The decision may come as early as today, but it may be later in the week. I believe his plan is to announce the week of July 8.”

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