Cincinnati Football: Nick Oliveira opens up about 2023 class and commitment

Cincinnati Football: Nick Oliveira opens up about 2023 class and commitment

After picking up five verbal commitments on Saturday, the Bearcats got back to work on Sunday afternoon as offensive tackle Nick Oliveira announced his decision to join the 2023 recruiting class. Oliveira became the fourth offensive lineman in the class as Joshua Gregory and James Jenkins committed yesterday.

“I decided this morning. My mom came to me and she was like this is the place for you,” Oliveira told me following his commitment earlier today. “I was in love with the program and I decided to just do it. Cincinnati is the best program for me and they can take me to where I want to be.”

The New Jersey product chose the Bearcats over Boston College, Oregon, Penn State, Vanderbilt and others as he got an opportunity to be around the program this weekend. Cincinnati also received commitments from 4-star defensive back Daeh McCullough, 3-star cornerback Jonas Duclona, and running back Manny Covey.

Cincinnati Football: Nick Oliveira opens up about 2023 class and commitment

Oliveira later mentioned that he has built a strong relationship with the entire coaching staff, most notably first-year offensive line coach Mike Cummings, and several fellow 2023 prospects: “I talked to 20 players on the team and all the recruits were hanging out this weekend together. We’re very close!”

In a couple years, Oliveira will look to carve out a consistent role on the Bearcats offensive line. The 6’5, 280-pound tackle is confident in his ability to protect the pocket: “I’m as dominant as a lineman can be. I will make a defender pay for getting in my path. I just have to improve my footwork with it. I’m still new to this football thing.”