He may be only 5-foot-5 and 150 pounds but Marcus Enriquez has been a big part of the Oak Park and River Forest High School football team’s run of success. The running back/outside linebacker backs up Antonio Cannon and Jamarri Watson in the offensive backfield, plays on special teams as well as the scout team, and even helps team photographer Jonna Borgdorff identify players for her Facebook postings of game action shots.
More importantly, he’s one of the most well-liked players on the Huskies and a perfect example why the squad’s chemistry is better than ever.
I was able to talk with Marcus for a few minutes after practice this week, and here’s what the affable senior had to say about a variety of topics…
What are your thoughts about the Huskies’ success since head coach John Hoerster and his staff have taken over the program? The first winning season OPRF had in a while was my freshman year. Since then, we have never known the team to be bad. It’s a source of pride that we are one of the teams that has set a high standard for OPRF football. Our coaches are great. Just like how there’s a brotherhood between the players, the coaches have a close bond. They are all smart, ask each other questions and feed off each other.
Describe the chemistry on the team this season? We all get along well with each other and joke around. When we had our first 7-on-7 game last summer, we all went to McDonalds for a huge team get together. We didn’t have that last season so it’s good to know that we can have fun together but also know when it’s time to get serious.
Obviously, you play a variety of roles for OPRF but you’re a running back at heart. Describe your running style? I get in near the end of games. My job is basically to run out the clock. I’m not really looking to break off a big run. I try to run hard, keep the chains moving and hold on to the ball.
What’s the adrenaline rush you feel before a game? It’s an unbelievable feeling. When we turn the corner and come into (OPRF Stadium) with the band playing in front of us, it’s an unreal feeling. You know the crowd is cheering for us. You don’t even have to look up because you can feel their support. We have amazing fans and a really cool stadium.
How do you feel about playing in the West Suburban Silver, one of the best football conferences in the state? It’s exciting because the stands are always packed whether we are playing at home or on the road. If you play in this conference, you know people are coming to games and you’re going to be talked about, win or lose. We just try to go out each week and do whatever we have to do to get the W.
Away from the football field, what do you like to do for fun? I like to Latin dance and I also like to cook. I’m also on the OPRF track and field team which is one big happy family kind of like the football team.
What are your thoughts about OPRF overall? When you’re a freshman, it can be a little difficult at first. You’re walking around the hallways with like 3,000 other kids and you’re just trying to find a class. The facilities and teachers are great. People care for me here. I feel like they understand and support what I’m trying to accomplish as a young man.
Who is your favorite pro athlete, team? I like Walter Payton a lot, I’m old school. I’m also a fan of the Miami Hurricanes.
If you could meet one famous person to have dinner with- alive or dead- who would it be and why? I’d love to have dinner with James Brown. I would ask him about how he prepared for his performances because it looked like he was going to do what he decided to do no matter what.
Are you an Oak Park native? To be honest, I don’t where I’m from (laughs) because I’ve been around. I’m Trinidadian. I’ll say I’m from Chicago, but I really like Oak Park.
What are a few must-haves in your refrigerator? Chocolate milk and kiwis
Describe yourself in three words? Short, quick and caring
What was your first job? I sold kitchen cutlery and I did it well (laughs).
What kind of music do you like? Everything, man. The question is what kind of music do I not like. I listen to some country, heavy metal, R and B, hip hop and jazz. I love all kinds of music.
Which actor would you choose to portray you in a movie? Kevin Hart
What is the greatest invention and why? Refrigerator. I like my food healthy when I eat it.
You have a unique friendship with Jonna Borgdorff, can you talk about that? I met Mrs. Borgdorff when I was in eighth grade. She’s always been a fun person and I know her sons, Andrew and Ryan. In eighth grade, we would all go over the Borgdorff house and watch film for football. When we won a championship, we all went over to there. You have to be a pretty strong parent to let 30 boys come into your house and eat a bunch of food and have fun till like 2 a.m. I’m helping her tag players this season for her Facebook photos.
Who is your biggest role model? My mom. My dad wasn’t around much so she has been kind of my mom and dad. She’s always there for me and knows exactly what to say.