R-B grad to play D-I football at N. Colorado

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Tyler Olker was persistent in chasing his dream of playing NCAA Division I football.

When Olker received only preferred walk-on offers as a senior at Richmond-Burton two years ago, he opted for the junior college route. After two years at College of DuPage, Northern Colorado found Olker, albeit from some of his high school videos.

Olker was set to leave today for Greeley, Colo., where he will start classes in time to join the Bears for spring practices. Olker (6-foot-3, 295 pounds) will receive a scholarship and play some position on the offensive line; he played a year at guard and the past season at left tackle for the Chaparrals.

“Since Day One, I was always working toward this,” Olker said. “It shows that hard work pays off and my dream has come true. Coach [Earnest Collins Jr.] called me Monday and wanted to get me out there. I told him if they want me out there in January, I’m coming.”

Northern Colorado plays in the Big Sky Conference, a league of Football Championship Subdivision schools. The Bears were 0-11 this season, but Olker looks forward to the opportunity.

“They want me to come in there and make an impact and help turn the program around,” Olker said.

Olker played offensive line on back-to-back IHSA Class 4A playoff semifinal teams at R-B, but his college offers mainly came from D-II or D-III schools, so he chose College of DuPage.

“Tyler’s been persistent in everything he does,” R-B coach Pat Elder said. “From his junior to senior year, he made a big stride strengthwise. When a lot of people would have been frustrated, he stayed at it and was able to turn that into this chance.”

Olker said COD’s spread offense helped him develop his pass-blocking technique, something he didn’t do much of in R-B’s run-oriented offense.

“It was a big help technique-wise to learn new stuff,” Olker said. “It was a big change to the spread and picking up on pass blocking. I feel like this season I got better every week.”

DuPage’s 7-3 season came to a disappointing end when the Chaparrals’ final game became a forfeit. Olker said a DuPage receiver provoked Joliet Junior College players at the end of the game and a fight ensued, resulting in many suspensions.

Olker feels a lot better now with his opportunity. The Bears had three seniors from their offensive line who have used up their eligibility.

“I’m grateful to all my coaches and trainers I’ve had to help me get here,” Olker said.

• Joe Stevenson is senior sports writer for the Northwest Herald. He can be reached by email at joestevenson@shawmedia.com. You also can follow him on twitter@nwh_JoePrepZone.