Athlete Q&A: Willie Richardson

NAME: Willie Richardson

AGE: 16

HEIGHT: 5 feet, 10 inches

YEAR: Junior

TEAM: Barnum football

POSITION: running back, defensive end

This season's stats: Richardson is among the team leaders rushing with 351 yards on 77 carries and two touchdowns. Defensively, he has 32 tackles, three sacks and one interception return for a touchdown.

What college or professional athlete inspires you and why?

Adam Thielen. Watching him, he's definitely a leader for the Vikings. He does things the right way, he doesn't make many mistakes and it seems like he's always picking up other players.

What is one of your most memorable moments as an athlete?

When I returned an interception for a touchdown against Deer River. I was playing defensive end and I saw the running back do a wheel route and I was like, "That's not good," because if he got it, all of our cornerbacks were back. So I just went with him and the quarterback threw the ball right to me.

What is your favorite activity or hobby outside of sports and why?

It's definitely playing basketball with my friends. We always get some good games going. We might lower the hoop sometimes so we can dunk it.

What is your dream job and why?

I hope to get to the NFL, but that's going to be really hard. So if I can't do that, my fallback would probably be carpentry. I want to work with my hands and not sit all day.

Describe your dream vacation.

Probably anywhere warm. I like the Minnesota winters, but I'd like going to Costa Rica or somewhere warm with beaches.

Pro athlete: Adam Thielen

Pro team: Minnesota Vikings

College team: Iowa Hawkeyes

Movie: "Shrek"

TV Show: “Family Guy"

Book: "Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin

Pregame meal/snack: Spaghetti bake

Class/subject: History and gym class