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Mount Vernon Football: Sadiq Oyedele

Senior emerges as one of Mount Vernon's most consistent players

Dennis Mensah was expected to be Mount Vernon’s featured running back this season. Sadiq Oyedele apparently did not get the memo. Just three games into the 2011 season, Oyedele has worked his way into Mount Vernon’s starting running back rotation, splitting carries with Mensah, who rushed for over 900 yards last season.

“Sadiq is a phenomenal athlete. When I first saw him last year, I just had visions of great things for him. He’s stepped up, he’s become a leader and he does a multitude of things for the team,” said Mount Vernon head coach Barry Wells.

“He’s really stepped up his game from the running back perspective and it’s helped us tremendously.”

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It didn’t take long for Wells’ vision for Oyedele to become reality. The senior scampered for a 47-yard third quarter touchdown run in the team’s first game of the season against West Potomac. One week later, he rushed for over 100 yards in the team’s 33-0 victory over Marshall.

In addition to his duties at running back, Oyedele also serves as the team’s kickoff specialist, punt returner, kick returner and extra-point kicker. So it’s no surprise to know that the multi-faceted football player also plays basketball and lacrosse. When asked which position he prefers, he said:

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“I enjoy returning kicks the most. It seems like I have all the time in the world with unlimited space to run. As soon as I see an open gap, I take it and hope that nobody catches me.”

Off the gridiron, academics remain at the forefront of Oyedele’s priorities, as he lists his academic goals for his senior year:

“I want to make honor roll in each of my four quarters.”

Upon graduation, Oyedele has his sights set on attending Morgan State University in Baltimore, Md, a school he fell in love with after attending a college fair and talking to a Morgan State representative. In college he’d like to pursue a career in exercise science while also continuing his football career.

Three games into the season, Oyedele gained the attention of his coaches and teammates. After struggling in several games last season, he’s put it all together and is contributing heavily to Mount Vernon’s success on offense, defense and special teams.

As long as he remains healthy, he could make a realistic run at surpassing the 700-yard mark on the ground this season and help Mount Vernon return to postseason play for a second consecutive season. 

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