WATCH: Chris Olave breaks defender off with crazy route
Chris Olave gave defenders headaches during his time as a star wide receiver at Ohio State. It appears that’s continuing into the NFL.
The New Orleans Saints wide receiver shook off cornerback Paulson Adebo in training camp on Friday, garnering a roar of approval from the fans.
The Saints drafted Olave No. 11 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft after a standout career at Ohio State. He became the Buckeyes’ all-time receiving touchdown leader, hauling in 35 touchdown receptions during his four years in Columbus. Last season, he had the best year of his career, totaling 936 yards and 13 touchdowns to help the Buckeyes to an 11-2 record and a Rose Bowl appearance against Utah.
Olave opted out of the Rose Bowl to declare for the draft and went immediately after fellow Buckeye receiver Garrett Wilson, who went to the New York Jets as the No. 10 overall pick. In fact, the Nos. 10-12 picks were all in the Ohio State receiver room in 2019 and 2020. Jameson Williams, who transferred to Alabama for the 2021 campaign, was drafted by the Detroit Lions at No. 12.
The hype continues to build around Chris Olave
Ohio State fans are everywhere, and they were in full force at the New Orleans Saints’ minicamp in June. Olave was taking a minute to take photos and sign gear for fans when he found a clear diehard Buckeyes fan wearing Ohio State gear at the practice.
Things appear to be going well for the first-round wide receiver in New Orleans. He’s received praise from teammates and organization executives alike and the season is still weeks away.
Quarterback Jameis Winston also had some high praise for Olave after the draft. As the summer rolled on, the two seemed to build some chemistry, and the former Buckeye standout is already starting to impress.
“Smooth as the other side of the pillow,” Winston said of Olave, via The Athletic’s Katherine Terrell. “Just real smooth. He can get in and out of breaks very well. Electric, and smart, man. He’s a guy that’s always asking questions. He’s a guy that wants to know how you want it, and I really respect that.”