50 Facts About Chris Olave

Early Life and High School

Chris Olave's journey to the NFL began in sunny California, where he showcased his athletic prowess from a young age.

1. Early Life: Born on June 27, 2000, in San Ysidro, California, Chris Olave is the son of LaCausha and Raul Olave. His father is of Cuban descent, while his mother is African-American.
2. High School Career: Olave played football at Eastlake High School in Chula Vista for two seasons before transferring to Mission Hills High School in San Marcos, California.
3. Transfer Rules: Due to California Interscholastic Federation transfer rules, Olave had to sit out his junior year.
4. Senior Season: During his senior season at Mission Hills, Olave caught 93 passes for 1,764 yards and 26 touchdowns, setting a San Diego Section record.
5. Multi-Sport Athlete: Olave excelled in basketball and track, running a 10.8-second 100-meter dash and long jumping 23 feet, six inches.

College Career at Ohio State

Chris Olave's college career at Ohio State University was nothing short of spectacular, setting records and earning numerous accolades.

6. College Commitment: Olave committed to Ohio State University in January 2018, choosing the Buckeyes over Tennessee, Michigan, and USC.
7. Freshman Year: In his debut season, Olave recorded 12 catches for 197 yards and three touchdowns.
8. Sophomore Breakout: Olave led the team in receiving yards (849), yards per catch (17.3), and touchdowns (12) during his sophomore year.
9. Record-Breaking Performance: He set the Ohio State school record with 35 receiving touchdowns, the fourth-most in Big Ten Conference history.
10. Team Captain: In 2021, Olave was named a team captain, leading the Buckeyes to another successful season.

College Statistics and Achievements

Olave's stats and accolades during his time at Ohio State highlight his impact on the field.

11. 2018 Season: 12 receptions, 197 yards, 3 touchdowns.
12. 2019 Season: 49 receptions, 849 yards, 12 touchdowns.
13. 2020 Season: 50 receptions, 729 yards, 7 touchdowns.
14. 2021 Season: 65 receptions, 936 yards, 13 touchdowns.
15. Awards and Honors: First-team All-American in 2021 (AFCA) and second-team All-American by AP, Walter Camp, and FWAA.

Transition to the NFL

Chris Olave's transition to the NFL was marked by immediate success and recognition.

16. Professional Draft: Olave was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the first round (11th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft.
17. Rookie Season: In his rookie season, Olave played in 15 games, earning a 26.7% target share and leading the team in receptions and receiving yards.
18. Rookie Achievements: He became the third Saint to cross the 1,000-yard threshold in their rookie season, joining Michael Thomas and Marques Colston.
19. NFL Debut: Olave made his NFL debut in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons with three receptions for 41 yards and a two-point conversion.
20. First Touchdown: In Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings, Olave had his first professional touchdown reception.

2022 and 2023 Season Highlights

Olave continued to impress in his first two seasons with the New Orleans Saints.

21. Week 3, 2022: Nine receptions for 147 yards against the Carolina Panthers.
22. Week 4, 2022: First professional touchdown reception against the Minnesota Vikings.
23. 2022 Season Stats: 72 receptions, 1,042 yards, 4 touchdowns.
24. Week 10, 2023: Spectacular touchdown catch courtesy of quarterback Jameis Winston against the Vikings.
25. Week 12, 2023: Burned Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jeff Okuda, then hurdled a man for a 50-yard pickup.

Career Statistics and Development

Olave's career stats and ongoing development show his potential to become one of the NFL's top receivers.

26. 2023 Season Stats: 87 receptions, 1,123 yards, 5 touchdowns.
27. Career Stats: 159 receptions, 2,165 yards, 9 touchdowns, 2 fumbles lost.
28. Special Teams: Blocked a punt that led to a touchdown in the 62-39 win over No. 4 Michigan in 2018.
29. College Playoffs: Caught six passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns in a 49-28 win over No. 2 Clemson in the CFP Semifinal at the Sugar Bowl.
30. NFL Recognition: Named to the 2022 PFWA All-Rookie Team.

Physical Attributes and Social Media Presence

Chris Olave's physical attributes and social media presence add to his appeal as a professional athlete.

31. Height and Weight: 6 feet 0 inches, 187 pounds.
32. Arm Length: 31 inches.
33. Hand Span: 9.5 inches.
34. 40-Yard Dash: 4.39 seconds.
35. Vertical Jump: 32 inches.
36. Broad Jump: 10 feet 4 inches.
37. Twitter: @chrisolave_
38. Instagram: @chrisolave_

Family Background and High School Achievements

Olave's family background and high school achievements laid the foundation for his successful career.

39. Family Background: Son of LaCausha and Raul Olave, of Cuban and African-American descent.
40. High School Transfer: Transferred to Mission Hills High School from Eastlake High School due to transfer rules.
41. Senior Season Highlights: Hauled in TD catches of 82 and 18 yards, along with a 60-yard punt return TD in the quarterfinal round.
42. Basketball and Track: Excelled in basketball and track, showcasing his versatility as an athlete.

College Football Impact and Legacy

Olave's impact on Ohio State football and his legacy as one of the school's most prolific receivers are undeniable.

43. Freshman Impact: Made a name for himself as a big-play wide receiver and on special teams.
44. Sophomore Highlights: Recorded 10 catches for 178 yards and three touchdowns in the final five games of his sophomore season.
45. Junior Season: Led the team in receptions (50), receiving yards (729), and touchdowns (seven) despite playing in only seven games due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
46. Senior Season: Caught 65 passes for 936 yards and 13 touchdowns, tying for sixth nationally with his 13 receiving touchdowns.
47. College Playoffs: Played on two Ohio State teams that qualified for the College Football Playoffs (2019 and 2020).
48. Big Ten Championships: Played on three consecutive Big Ten Conference championship teams (2018-19-20).
49. Ohio State Records: Most career touchdown receptions (35), third in school history in receptions (176), and fifth in receiving yards (2,711).
50. Professional Development: Continues to build on his early success with consistent performances, aiming to become one of the NFL's top young receivers.

Chris Olave: A Rising Star

Chris Olave's journey from high school standout to NFL sensation is nothing short of impressive. With a record-setting college career at Ohio State and a stellar rookie season with the New Orleans Saints, he's proven his talent and dedication. Olave's versatility, speed, and knack for big plays make him a valuable asset on the field. His achievements, including breaking Ohio State records and earning All-American honors, highlight his impact. As he continues to develop, Olave's future in the NFL looks bright. Fans and analysts alike are excited to see what he accomplishes next. Whether it's making spectacular catches or leading his team in receiving yards, Chris Olave is a name to watch in the world of football. His story is a testament to hard work, talent, and the pursuit of excellence.