DeLaSalle back works his way to prominence

In terms of talent per capita, no team in the metro can match DeLaSalle.

The Class 4A power has at least four players with Division I potential in offensive lineman Chad Fahning, defensive end Jareid Combs, quarterback Reid Travis and defensive back Oscar Opara.

While Fahning, Combs and Travis are all blessed with the physical size needed to play football at the next level, Opara relies on exceptional speed and anticipation combined with an unparalleled work ethic. The Islanders running back, who stands a shade above 5-10 and weighs 180 pounds, has already received offers to play at North Dakota and South Dakota.

Staff writer Jim Paulsen talked with Opara about his dream of playing college ball and the sacrifices he has made to see that dream come true.

Q DeLaSalle is a private school in Minneapolis. Did you grow up wanting to play there?

A No, actually I live in Hopkins. Close to Hopkins High School. But my friend, James Randle, used to take me to DeLaSalle basketball games and I just loved the atmosphere. The school felt like home. I knew then that's where I wanted to go.

Q Football is your primary sport. Do you play others?

Q What made you focus on football?

A I grew up playing football and I always loved it. My mom has baby pictures of me holding a football. I love going out and hitting and getting touchdowns. There's just something about it that I love.

Q Was the offseason tedious without another sport to play?

A Not really. I'm always thinking about football and working for football.

Q How did you stay motivated?

Q What drives you?

A My teammates. Seeing the work they put in drives me. And the school and its tradition motivates me. But mostly my family, especially my mom. She has done so much for me that I always go out and play for her.

Q What did your friends think about your dedication?

A A couple of them would ask me why I couldn't go out with them and just hang around, but they understand football is a sport I love and they want me to be successful. They don't question me that much.

Q It's obviously paid off. Colleges have noticed.

Q This year's team looks like it's loaded. How much fun is it to play with so many talented players?

A It's just amazing. The biggest thing is that we all just work hard and we all have each other's backs. It's a great big family.

Q After all of that work, how good does it feel to finally be playing games?