Locker Room Talk: Marcus Oliver // University of Houston OL
Written by Greg Harris
As Modern Life Mag is getting more expansive in the ways we deliver content, one of the things that has been close to my heart but not necessarily broadcasted in the most proper way until recently on MLM was our way of telling sports stories. Straying from the masculinity that some sports sites have delivered, MLM wanted to take sports in a direction where it doesn't stray from the sub-cultures that tie these sports together.
In the midst of doing so, we wanted to highlight the stellar career of University of Houston offensive lineman, Marcus Oliver. Before making a big splash at Coog U, Oliver rose through the ranks by being one of the most sought out OL in the Greater North Houston area and played a pivotal role during his school years at the iconic Westfield High School. Shortly playing under HS Football legend Corby Meekins, Oliver committed himself to the University of Houston and spent his college years playing in his hometown and playing alongside his brother, All-American Ed Oliver.
We recently had a chance to speak Oliver about many things such about his upbringing, playing at Westfield, playing alongside his brother, and more.
Read the interview below.
How’s Your Modern Life?
I’m living good man can’t complain.
What are three things you have to do when you first wake up?
Shower, brush my teeth and eat breakfast.
Coming up in Houston, how was your upbringing?
Man, my upbringing was good I mean I think families have struggles and sometimes things were rough but all in all my mom always made sure that we were good at the end of the day.
Comparing it to the rest of the south, what do you think makes Houston special?
The culture man. It's contagious, the people are real, just the feel of city coming together it’s amazing.
Along with the presence of living in the city, how would compare the Houston football culture compared to the rest of the state?
I think Houston football is more of grind than any other city or state. We have households name like Katy, North Shore, Lamar, Westfield, etc. It’s hard playing teams in Houston
Speaking of the Houston football culture, you came up in Westfield’s dominant football program, how would you say they help you grow as a player and student?
It taught me you can’t take a day off man, it’s a grind every day. You got to come prepared everyday because you will have challenges to overcome and how to attack the day with a great mindset.
How would you compare Westfield’s football culture to other schools?
I think Westfield is just a powerhouse and a well-respected program, not only on the field but off. The amount of college signees that has happened over the last decade.
When it comes to choosing schools, what inspired you to choose University of Houston?
It was home, my people got to watch me play. It paid off for me and I got to watch Ed finish his last two seasons at Westfield.
Since attending U of H, how would you say the culture of the University has changed in the past 4 to 5 Years there?
It was just grew from being local to being a nationally known University.
How was it to play with your brother, Ed Oliver at one of the top stages of College Football?
It was amazing man, we said we was going to do it at a young age and it came true. So all praises to the man upstairs for allowing us to do so.
Since you’re heading into this year’s NFL Draft, what are some thinks you’ve been working on to better your game?
All around game, you can’t be bored with getting better everyday.
What are some things you feel like you can bring to the professional level that you feel like other players in the league aren’t offering?
I think I can bring a lot versatility to a offensive line by playing a lot of spots from tackle, guard, and center.
How do you feel like this move is going to influence younger players from the Houston area?
I feel like my story is for the underdogs, just keep grinding, stuff isn’t going to be pretty but just make sure you grind day in and day out and God is going to bless you with opportunities.
What are three things you want to accomplish this year?
1. Get even more closer to God
2. Make a big impact in the community
3. Play football
When it’s all said and done, how do you want to be remembered?
The guy that stayed down to earth and give people a motivation to go get it in whatever they want to achieve, and always keep God first.
Keep up with Marcus Oliver here