SPRINGDALE (KFSM)--One of the area's highest touted recruits is Har-Ber's Oliver Nasilai. The linebacker recently received his first collegiate offer.
"When I got offered, I felt sick. I didn't know how to feel, it was crazy. I felt like I accomplished something but I definitely wanted more," Nasilai said of his offer from BYU.
"It was real emotional when he called and said BYU had offered, cause for me when you look at college ball you want guys that are gonna plug the gaps...at some point you gotta fill a gap, and Oliver can do that," said Har-Ber coach Chris Wood.
Nasilai's role model was his older brother, who he played with at Har-Ber.
"It was an awesome experience, I would never trade anything for it. He just kept me on track at all times and he really helped me develop into the player I am," said Nasilai.
Coach Wood has been at Har-Ber since the school's founding in 2006, and has coached plenty of players. "As a linebacker he's unbelievable. He's got that size and physicality to him. He's got good feet but he's so explosive in his lower body and hips I mean I've seen him blow up offensive linemen and he just gets through holes. I mean, probably one of the better linebackers I've ever been around. I know he's one of the best I've coached," Wood said.
Another reason Oliver stands out is his impressive strength, developed in part because of another sport he plays. "My dad is from Tonga the island and so he grew up playing rugby and so in my sixth grade year, my brother and I started playing rugby," said Nasilai.
Nasilai mentioned Navy, Oklahoma State, Texas State and Arkansas among other schools that have showed interest. But the linebacker is still just a junior, more concerned with bringing Har-Ber it's first 7A state championship since 2009.