Olando Trader Set for Signing Day Announcement Following Iowa Visit
Iowa Football put its best foot forward this weekend while hosting Olando Trader on his official visit. The senior defensive back from Jackson (MI) High left campus with positive thoughts about the Hawkeyes.
“The visit was amazing,” Trader told HF. “The amount of hospitality was unmatched. The main things that stood out to me the most were how close the players and coaches were. They were a definition of a true family.”
Trader (6-0, 185) unofficially visited Iowa last month and picked up a scholarship offer. He verbally committed to Central Michigan in June and remained a Chippewas’ pledge as of Monday morning.
A Rivals’ three-star, Trader returned to Jackson Sunday with a lot on his mind.
“I plan on signing somewhere on Dec. 15 (Wednesday),” he said.
Iowa gave him plenty to think about before his final decision. Veteran cornerback Terry Roberts played host to him on his visit.
“He was kind and really showed me what it was like to be an everyday Hawkeye. His attitude and drive to succeed was unmatched,” Trader said.
Trader watched Roberts work out as the Hawkeyes prepared for their Jan. 1 matchup with Kentucky in the Citrus Bowl.
“I felt like I could really fit in their defense as I was watching their practice. They are a high-energy team and very disciplined,” Trader said.
Iowa defensive coordinator and secondary coach Phil Parker attended one of Trader’s games this season. They spoke during the recruit’s first visit to campus and went a little deeper on this stop.
“I sat down to have many conversations with coach Parker and I gotta tell you once that man gets talking he doesn’t stop. But that’s not a bad thing because while I was talking to him I could easily understand him and where he was coming from. He’s by far one of the smartest, most interesting men I have ever met,” Trader said.
Trader officially visited Vanderbilt in October. He also reported scholarship offers from Nebraska and Eastern Michigan.