Handyman: Latest switch has versatile Oliver back at receiver

Latest switch has versatile Oliver back at receiver

Forgive Jamel Oliver if he feels like his Southeast Missouri State football career has been a bit like musical chairs.

"It's been kind of crazy," Oliver said with a laugh.

Oliver came to Southeast as a running back but was quickly moved to wide receiver, where he showed plenty of promise as a freshman -- and also discovered that's the position he enjoyed playing the most.

But, after a strong start to his sophomore season, Oliver was switched to the backfield because injuries had depleted that unit.

Oliver, despite longing for a return to receiver, spent all of his junior season last year as a running back.

Now, entering his senior campaign, Oliver has come full circle. He's again a receiver and, barring something unusual, figures to end his playing days that way.

"You have no idea," said the good-natured Oliver, when asked how frustrating all the switching from one position to the other has been. "It's great to be back [at receiver]. I love it."

What Southeast coaches love about having Oliver back at wide out is his 4.4-second speed in the 40-yard dash that makes him among the Redhawks' fastest players.

"We felt we lacked speed at wide receiver last year, but with Jamel, and with some of the new guys we brought in, we think we've really added some speed," said Southeast offensive coordinator Rob Likens, who also coaches the wide receivers.

"He's a natural receiver. And one of the things he does real well, because he was a running back, is running after he catches the ball."

Said Southeast head coach Tim Billings, "Receiver is where Jamel really wanted to play. He did a good job at running back, but he'll really help us at receiver. He's one of the fastest guys on the team."

Despite being bothered some during preseason practice by a bum shoulder that Oliver said he originally injured early last year, he's looking forward to being on the field when the Redhawks kick off the 2005 campaign Thursday night at home against fifth-ranked Southern Illinois.

"Hopefully everything will work out and my shoulder won't be a problem," he said.

Oliver, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound native of Altamonte, Fla., has had success as both a receiver and running back during his first three seasons at Southeast.

As a freshman in 2002, Oliver broke into the lineup late and displayed plenty of game-breaking promise, catching six passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns as the Redhawks went 8-4 for their best record since 1969.

"When I came to SEMO I was a running back, but they moved me to wide receiver. I started getting better, developing," Oliver said. "I felt I was better at wide receiver. I was totally fine with it, and I wanted to stay there."

Oliver had some big performances at receiver early in his sophomore season, but then the injury bug hit the backfield. His first outing at running back was the fifth game of the year, at Samford. He responded with 98 yards on just 15 carries -- and stayed at that position the rest of the way.

Oliver ended that sophomore campaign with 619 yards rushing and nine touchdowns -- he averaged a healthy 4.7 yards per carry -- while catching 41 passes for 520 yards and an additional two touchdowns. His 11 total TDs led the team.

"After my sophomore year, I wanted to move back to wide receiver, but the coaches said they couldn't, they needed me at running back," Oliver said.

As a full-time running back last year, Oliver did not fare nearly as well, rushing for just 342 yards while averaging a pedestrian 3.6 yards per carry and scoring two touchdowns. He caught 45 passes for 278 yards out of the backfield, with an additional TD.

"I think it was more, I didn't really want to be there, and also my shoulder. It bothered me, and I was trying to protect myself," said Oliver of his sub-par 2004 campaign.

Oliver's career statistics include 980 rushing yards and 92 receptions for 898 yards, with a total of 16 touchdowns.

Unless the Redhawks use Oliver on some reverses or end-around plays, he might not reach 1,000 yards rushing for his career -- not that it would disappoint him.

"I have more fun at practice, and I'll have more fun in the games," being at receiver, Oliver said.

A criminal justice major who said he hopes to be an FBI agent some day, Oliver is looking forward to adding an element of speed to the receiving corps -- a trait that was sorely lacking in 2004.

"Our receivers are looking great right now, with the guys back from last year and the guys we've brought in," he said. "We have a lot of speed, with me and the new guys. We should have some good deep threats.

"Last year the defense knew we couldn't throw the long ball, but we're going to surprise them this year."

As long as Southeast coaches don't surprise Oliver with another return to the backfield.