Mounds View senior running back Sola Olateju ranks fifth among an impressive list of Suburban East Conference players in all-purpose yards, but his versatility isn’t limited to just the football field.

Olateju’s 500 yards (379 rushing, 121 receiving) have helped the Mustangs quietly build a 3-0 record, which they will put on the line Friday against rival Cretin-Derham Hall (1-2).

Olateju is also active in community student government and myriad programs within Mounds View High School. He spoke with Star Tribune reporter David La Vaque about his on-field talents, his various off-field interests and activities and the team’s desire to shed its also-ran status in the conference.

Q What has clicked so well for you both running and receiving?

A I feel like Mounds View’s offense is sort of slanted toward the wing backs. And that calls us to have to be a little more versatile and able to catch the ball. We are the second or third option in the passing game a lot of times if the defense takes away our receivers.

Q How did the limited action you saw as a junior make you hungry for a more productive senior year?

A I was actually brought up a couple games before sections as a sophomore and ever since then I’ve been itching to get more playing time. I knew last year we had starters coming back so I have definitely been working toward my senior year. That’s always been on my mind because this is a game I love.

Q You came into this week 3-0 but how have you looked on film?

A I think we’re definitely in a good position to move forward and keep going. I think our guys really want it. We watch film, and we’re always assessing ourselves and we realize there is more we can be doing. So each week, day by day, we’re trying to work toward our goals. Frankly, our grade has wanted this for a long time. That tenacity gets us really dialed in and focused.

Q How does playing Cretin-Derham Hall on Friday add to that focus?

A This is our biggest week. We always look forward to Cretin. We’re really excited to play them because they are always a tough team.

Q Cretin-Derham Hall and Stillwater just played on national television. East Ridge has generated a lot of buzz with its talented offensive players. You guys are kind of behind the scenes. With that said, is the Cretin-Derham Hall game one you would really like to have as a sign of what Mounds View can do?

A Yeah, I feel we’ve been overlooked, so playing Cretin-Derham Hall this week and Stillwater next week are great opportunities. But we’re not really looking for all the glory in the newspaper or whatever. We just want to let other teams know we are here and we will fight you to the last minute.

Q Mounds View coach Jim Galvin said you are taking college classes at the University of Minnesota right now?

A I am a PSE [postsecondary education] student, and I take a politics course online and a French course on campus. I took about half my classes at the university last year as well. And your credits count toward high school and college at the same time. So I could graduate Mounds View this winter if I wanted to. And when I go off to school in the fall, I’ll have almost my entire freshman year finished.

Q Is there a particular academic track you are interested in pursuing?

A I’m interested in economics and political science. I’m in a youth in government program through the YMCA. I am the lieutenant governor this year and I’m excited about that.

David La Vaque