Interview: 2017 OLB/SS Segun Olubi Peaking at Right Time for No. 7 Centennial

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Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Centennial head coach Matt Logan has a great thing going in southern California. The Huskies are a perennial high school football powerhouse willing to take on any and all challengers while developing raw talent into exceptional gridiron warriors. One of the many extremely talented players the Corona team can trot out onto the field on either side of the ball is senior linebacker/safety Segun Olubi.

Olubi is that true tweener capable of playing strong safety or outside linebacker, and do it well. The 6-2, 200 pound, athlete maybe a collegiate safety with an outside linebacker’s frame, but for the Huskies he has started to make waves over the team’s previous five games. Over the last five games, Olubi has 28 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, a pass breakup, a quarterback hurry, and an interception giving the No. 7 ranked team in the nation an added weapon heading into the California playoffs.

Expect the stat line for Olubi to grow with Centennial expected to make another deep run into the playoffs. The past two seasons the Huskies have made it to the state championship game. With 2018 quarterback Tanner McKee, 2017 running back Miles Reed, and 2017 receivers Troy Spencer and Justin Fisher along with 2018 wide out Manuel Allen putting points on the board, this team will be tough to stop. The defense led by 2017 cornerbacks Jaylan Shaw and Reggie Whitfield along with 2017 linebacker Josh Kaldas and 2018 linebacker Camron Pitcher Jr., and 2018 safety Nicolas Ross, is one of the best in the country.

The depth of talent on the Huskies squad is so deep, and well respected, Olubi’s quick rise has already caught the attention of Army, Texas-El Paso, San Diego, and Cal Poly San Luis Obisop. With the vast majority of high school teams having their season’s ended with the playoffs starting, more attention from college recruiters will be drawn to the playoff teams that keep advancing. A closer look at Olubi, college coaches will find a physically ready safety with 4.5 speed, who can squat nearly 400 pounds and power clean 245.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Olubi before Centennial’s opening playoff game against a tough JSerra (San Juan Capistrano) squad covering his senior season and his recruitment to date.

Interview

Segun, has it sunk in that you are playing for the No. 3 team in California, the No. 7 in the nation?

“Not completely. I came from a school in Arizona that was not good at all. When I first got here it was surreal. This school is good at football and everyone expects to win. It has not hit me we are No. 3 in California and No. 7 in nation.”

Where did you play in Arizona and when did you transfer?

“I was in Mojave, a small school there. We moved after my freshman year.”

How important was it for Centennial to close out the regular season with a 52-7 win over King (Riverside)?

“It was important to us as players and for the coaches. We want to be peaking for the playoffs. That was big for us.”

What is the mindset of the Huskies going into the playoffs?

“Survive and advance. Win and go on.”

What kind of game do you have to be ready for against JSerra based on the film you’ve watched?

“The bracket just came out. I have not looked at that much tape on them. In the past they’ve had a really good passing attack.”

Is there a team you hope to face in the playoffs?

“Rancho Cucamonga. That’ll be fun. I know a lot of their players.”

That would be a fun game to see. Which game has been your best this season?

“Santiago (won 45-7). It was one of the games were I was locked in mentally. First game that I was solidified. I had no mistakes. I had great recognition of plays knowing what was going on around me.”

What strides have you made in your game this year?

“I really dedicated myself in the weight room. I kicked it into overdrive this summer especially with my speed training. I pay even closer attention on defense to see how I can help. What is their offense doing? How can I stop them from being successful? That kind of approach.”

Which schools are showing interest in you?

“Army, San Diego, UTEP, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits this season?

“I’ve been to a SC (USC) and San Diego State game.”

What is your overall GPA?

“3.2.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet, if so do you have a score you don’t mind sharing?

“I got an 1190 on the SAT.”

Nice. Last question, for fun. Which college football games did you watch on Saturday and what did you like about the games you watched?

“I watched the LSU-Bama game. That was fun. It was a defensive affair. It was fun to see them get after it.”

Segun, thanks for your time today and good luck going forward in the playoffs.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: @a4shizl; Olubi in action.

Photo credit: Olubi family; Segun (right) with little brother at San Diego State.