Record-breaking kicker declares for NFL Draft

Jan. 5—DURHAM — Adrian Olivo, a record-breaking kicker for North Carolina Central University, takes his talents to Tampa as he trains for the 2024 NFL draft.

"You're not training for football," Olivo said. "You're training for that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to show them what you got."

Olivo broke NCCU's PAT record his junior year, converting 51-of-54 extra points, and was named to the 2023 FCS Preseason All-American Team his senior year.

Kickers, much like linemen, receive little praise when all goes well, and all the blame when things go left.

"We just tell him to believe and trust in God that as long as he's doing everything right, and praying — God will answer his prayers," said his mom, Noemi Olivo.

In the 2022 Celebration Bowl, Olivo contributed nine points in a 41-34 overtime win over Deion Sanders and Jackson State to claim the HBCU National Championship. It was the first D1 championship in NCCU school history.

"That was a pretty cool experience, beating Deion Sanders," said Olivo. "Everybody had them favored to win, but we pulled through and we did what nobody thought we could do."

The Eagles were heavy underdogs heading into the historic matchup, and NCCU's performance dropped jaws as they pulled off the upset.

"Being able to do it at that level, especially with the talent that other team had, shows that we started from nothing to building a legacy now that Central is going to be one of the top HBCU programs for a long time," Olivo said.

Despite the outside pressure and historical magnitude of the star-studded matchup, Olivo's mentality remained the same.

"That's literally what it is every game—do what you do every time. Don't try to do too much, because it can screw up your normal routine," he said.

In the last game of the 2022 season, Olivo hit the clutch kick of the year, nailing a 36-yarder against Tennessee Tech to win the game in the final seconds.

"It's a blessing to be where I'm at. Especially the opportunity to play in the pros," he said.

Like most athletes jonesing for a shot to play professionally, Olivo's path to declare for the draft has not been without twists and turns.

In 2020, Olivo lost his grandfather Ruben Castillo at the age of 60. Castillo loved football and was a big influence on Olivo growing up, watching games on the couch every Sunday, cheering on the teams, and teaching his grandchildren about the sport. A picture of Castillo was featured by the NFL on the sidelines of the 2021 Super Bowl.

"He's so determined and focused, I think that he will [make an NFL roster]." Noemi Olivo said. "He's doing it for his grandfather. It motivates him to go out there and reach for the stars."

In his hometown of Plant City, Florida, Olivo has played soccer from when he was three until high school. He started football when he tried out for the JV team at Plant City. Olivo was called up to varsity by the end of the season and transferred his junior year to kick for Armwood High School.

Now staying with his parents and preparing intensely for the NFL draft, Olivo is doing anything he can to gain an edge. Whether it's eating chickpeas and spinach, or getting up for 6 a.m. workouts, the work that Olivo is putting in is difficult to overstate.

"He has to trust within himself that he's going to get to do what his job is. I see him so focused," said his mother.

Knowing where he wants to go, Olivo is well aware of the grind ahead, and the legacy that comes with professional notoriety. If drafted, Olivo will join a short list of Mexican-American kickers to have played the position in the NFL, including legends Raúl Allegre and Rafael Septién. Olivo's family in Mexico constantly asks him for updates on his journey.

A kicker's job is not multi-dimensional. They don't run, pass, or tackle. They are a specialist in every sense of the word. Every great kicker is like a machine: they have a routine and stick to it. Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey has yet to miss any of his 35 field goal attempts this season. Perfection is the new expectation for NFL kickers.

Similarly, Olivo adheres to this unflappable mentality, managing his day-to-day activities with impressive diligence.

"He's always been that way. Early bird. On a schedule, time management. He even exaggerates, getting places too early," said Noemi Olivo.

Recently, Olivo has been draft prep with Cooper Combine Training in Tampa, losing weight and adding muscle to prepare his body for the next level. Olivo's current range is just over 50 yards, but he's still working on his routine— and most importantly— fundamentals.

Whether it's the Florida Gators, or the small junior college in Coffeyville, Kansas where Olivo attended before NCCU, his parents reminded him that no matter where he was, if he put the work in, people would notice him.

"No matter where you are, the job is the same: put the ball through that net," said Noemi.

Olivo starts his day with a 30-minute drive into Tampa Bay to work out, then returns home to eat, get some rest, and help his dad with some building plans, before heading to the field for a midafternoon kicking session.

Olivo's father is a devout Catholic. Olivo's family and faith play a huge role in his perseverance and overall kicking mindset, trusting that God will guide him "every step of the way." Olivo's parents made the trek from Plant City to Durham for every Eagles home game.

"To see him go from where he was to where he's at now, I'm extremely proud of him," said Noemi Olivo.

Olivo met his high school sweetheart and current girlfriend, Madison Cruz, while attending Plant City High School together. Cruz and Olivo have been dating for 8 years, remaining connected long-distance while Olivo was setting school records in Durham. After four years apart, Cruz and Olivo are excited to be reunited back in their hometown where they met in 2016. Cruz's support has also been a huge contributor to Olivo's positive outlook.

"I try to remind him that in life there's always going to be obstacles. I remind him not to be so hard on himself," said Cruz. "Just reflect, and pray, and move on."

For kickers, it can be vital to block out the noise and forget about everything else— other than the task at hand—and forgive yourself for your mistakes. Easier said than done, Olivo has his work cut out for him to make his dream of hearing his name called on stage, a reality. With under four months until the 2024 draft in Detroit, many close to Olivo are desperate for new developments.

Olivo has slimmed down and improved his kicking range since his college days at NCCU. He believes his leadership and dedication to his craft, as well as his body of work at Central, sets him apart from other prospects.

"We have him right now until he goes off for the next steps," said Noemi. "Our family is very close. We support him 100%."