WELLINGTON – Davontey Oliver has a lot going on for him right now.
The Wellington ‘26 defensive back is touted by his team as one with loads of potential both on and off the field. There was some evidence of this from his sophomore season, which can be supported by the following statistics in eight games played:
•35 total tackles (22 solo, 13 assist), 1 tackle for loss
•3 pass breakups
•1 interception
•21-yard reception on offense
Oliver’s best individual game was in Week 4 against Royal Palm Beach, which turned out to be a spirited 16-15 win for Wellington. In this game, the 6-foot, 170-pound defensive back record the following statistics:
•4 tackles
•2 pass breakups
•1 interception
This one was particularly meaningful for Oliver, who was dealing with a family tragedy prior to his breakout moment.
“Yeah that’s my special game and forever would be that game,” Oliver said. “My mom (Marion Oliver) was hospitalized and my aunt (Sonia Burgess) died so that game was my special game. And that all got to me before the game. I let it be the outcome of my playing skills. I was being a ball hawk that game because they love to throw the ball deep. I watched film overnight to make sure I was in the right place and at the right time. It all played out well, even though it was a tight game.”
Oliver had more to share about the Royal Palm Beach game, particularly the aftermath of it all.
“I was just proud to come home and tell my mom about my game,” Oliver said. “Then I found out she was in the hospital.”
Oliver spoke on the sheer impact his mother has on his life and more.
NOTE: Oliver’s mother eventually made a full recovery.
“My mom has always been there for me,” Oliver said. “I’m the only boy left to make it. My big brothers made it to college already, so she tries her hardest to keep me on track. She stays pushing me to strive for my dreams.”
Oliver spoke on his aunt.
“Yeah my aunt,” Oliver said. “Yeah that one got to me bad. My aunt was always the one who had that special talk with me about life. She would tell me no matter what I go through to keep God in my life and keep striving to be the best I can be.”
With that said, Oliver made sure to turn this trying moment into something greater.
The Muckstepper made the most of a tough outing for Wellington in Week 7 against Vero Beach (40-0 home loss). In this one, he posted the following statistics:
•21-yard reception on offense from ‘26 quarterback Jonathan Paul
•7 tackles, 1 pass breakup on defense
“Vero game was the game I had to prove myself to a good team with athletes on a high rank level,” Oliver said. “I’m here for it all. I had to step my foot down and show them that I can play any position my coach needs me at.”
Oliver reflected on his sophomore season with Wellington.
“My hunger to be on the field changed after my freshman season,” Oliver said. “I wasn’t used as much being part of the only few on varsity as a freshman. I could’ve definitely been more of a dog instead of relying on being young and accepting I got more years to come. Age and size have nothing to do with the game. It’s your heart size.”
This offseason, Oliver has been hard at work to improve his craft in more ways than one. He has been working closely with Wellington defensive backs coach and Dwyer alum Levon Barnett.
“He has me doing the right things,” Oliver said of Barnett. “Learning some new every day by working with him.”
Oliver on Wellington assistant coach and fellow Belle Glade native Micanor Regis:
“Good coach,” Oliver said of Regis. “He’s gonna keep it real with you and tell you what’s got to get done. He pushes you to your max limits and allows nothing to be on the field without you giving your 100 percent effort.”
Oliver on Wellington head coach Ross Pryor:
“Coach Pryor is like another dad to me,” Oliver said. “He is very good with keeping us in the hands of the Lord and pushing us to get closer with Him.”
Pryor spoke of Oliver’s positive impact on the Wellington Wolverines football program.
“He’s one of the leaders of our team,” Pryor said. “He’s very smart and instinctive. On the field if you need a play, he is going to make it. Off the field he is a joy to be around and makes everyone feel welcome. He’s one of the funniest guys I know and can make light of a lot of situations.”
As we get closer to the start of the spring football circuit – it begins on Monday, April 29 and ends on Friday, May 17 for Wellington – Oliver has much to look forward to.
“I want to be a better player overall,” Oliver said. “I want more tackle, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries, and picks.”
The spring football circuit for Wellington will end in the Muck, as Oliver’s team will face off against Glades Central, Park Vista, and Port St. Lucie in a spring jamboree.
Oliver said he looks forward to a homecoming of sorts in his upcoming return to Belle Glade.
“Man it’s a good thing for this to happen because overall for the team, it teaches the team where I came from and who I had to grow up with to get to where I am now,” Oliver said. “And to play family would be a good opportunity to reunite.”
Stay tuned for more updates on Oliver’s high school football journey with Wellington and more.
PHOTO CREDIT: Brody Quilleon
Muck City Media Enterprises 
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