LANTANA – All it takes is one.
For Link Olibrisse, the fact that a college recognizes his talent means everything. It opens the door for a chance at a better opportunity and more.
On March 15, the 6-foot-1, 180-pound safety received his first offer from Tennessee State. It was followed by a virtual college visit to TSU on April 15 and an official offer on Aug. 1.
“I am beyond thankful to receive a offical offer from TSU,” Olibrisse said. “One school believing in me is just enough to show what I been working for. Being my only offer, I will keep working and take what I got and not dwell on it. I will make the best out of it, as I have a whole season ahead of me to keep working for.”
Olibrisse has been happy with the relationships he has built over time with Tennessee State’s coaching staff.
“The coaches seem good,” he said. “They have been staying in contact. But there’s not much else I could say as I haven’t actually visited the school yet.”
Olibrisse was on a Santaluces team that went 7-3 overall and won the District 11-8A title last year. It was the first time that the Chiefs accomplished this feat since 2009.
“My junior season at Santaluces was great because we were able to overcome a lot of adversity,” he said. “It’s a great feeling to be able to beat our rivals Park Vista (22-15 win in Week 10) in 10 years and become district champions. Beside all the accomplishments, that’s everything we worked for day in and day out, on and off the field and in the classroom.”
During the offseason and through the pandemic we’re in, Olibrisse has been doing his best to stay in top shape.
“Lots of field work, training by myself and with a couple other people, pushups, and when able to get in the gym, I am there,” he said.
For his upcoming senior season at Santaluces, Olibrisse’s goals are simple.
“I want to play better than last year,” said Olibrisse, who is currently in our Top 50. “I want to have 5 or more interceptions and more tackles. And as a team, I want us to go 10-0 and try to go deeper than the first round of the playoffs.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Gene Nardi and Middle Tennessee Football