Chino Hills’ Ifo Ekpre-Olomu partners athleticism with technique

All you need to know about defensive back Ifo Ekpre-Olomu from Chino Hills is that in a Southern Section quarterfinal playoff game last fall, he scored five touchdowns and made three interceptions.

“I was tired,” he said.

At 5 feet 11, 190 pounds, the senior whose parents came here from Nigeria begins the 2010 season as the No. 1 defensive back prospect in Southern California because of his ability to unleash a sudden burst of speed combined with his technique and versatility.

“He’s a kid you only get to coach once in a while,” Coach Derek Bub said. “He breaks great on the football. He’s got good all-out speed.”

As a running back and free safety, Ekpre-Olomu started to receive attention as a sophomore, when he had eight interceptions. Last season, his only interceptions came in Chino Hills’ playoff game against Etiwanda, in which he also rushed for 202 yards.

What he has learned in high school is that athleticism alone can’t be relied on to guarantee success, especially for those who have ambitions of reaching a higher level.

“Technique is the difference,” he said. “Most players are athletic, but if you don’t have technique, even if you’re athletic you’re still going to get beat.”

His definition of technique?

“Footwork; closing speed; you have to be able to turn left and right, break on outs, curls and stops,” he said.

He is expected to become a cornerback in college, and he’s not intimidated about being matched against taller receivers.

“You have to make sure you’re getting off the ground before the receiver does,” he said. “You have to make sure you knock the ball out when they come down.”

Versatility makes him more valuable to Chino Hills. Last season, he caught 40 passes for 694 yards and seven touchdowns and rushed for 498 yards and seven touchdowns besides being the leader of the secondary.

“I love playing cornerback because you’re by yourself,” he said. “It’s one on one, and you always have the chance to go after the ball, make an interception and make big plays.”

It is rare that Ekpre-Olomu gets beat on defense, but he welcomes the challenge and keeps preparing for the duels and strategies that play out in a football game.

“Perfection is when you know they’re not going to throw your way,” he said.

He is expected to make an impact at running back as well.

Ekpre-Olomu has taken on added responsibilities as a leader. He has attracted strong recruiting interest from Pacific 10 schools and helped Chino Hills win the Bonita seven-on-seven passing tournament during the summer.

eric.sondheimer@latimes.com

twitter.com/LATSondheimer