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Fokou runs under the radar
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Maryland linebacker Moise Fokou makes a tackle during a game in October against Georgia Tech.
College Park (Map, News) - Every time Maryland senior defensive lineman Carlos Feliciano watches linebacker Moise Fokou catch a speedy running back and throw him to the ground, he’s convinced the junior is playing out of position.
“He’s got safety speed at linebacker: That’s something we always joke about at meeting with him when we watch him on film,” Feliciano said. “He’s so fast and gets around the ball so quick, he gets good pass rush, and he can cover. I don’t think he gets as much recognition as he should.”
That’s because despite being 6-foot-1 and 216-pounds, Fokou is overshadowed by fellow linebackers Erin Henderson and Dave Philistin — the team’s two leading tacklers. With Henderson averaging 12.4 stops a game and Philistin 10.1, there aren’t a lot of tackles to go around, but Fokou has made more than his share. He’s found his niche as a versatile strong-side linebacker, as he’s emerged as the team’s third-leading tackler (6.4) — not bad for a kid no coach envisioned playing big-time college football.
After graduating from Montgomery County’s Bullis School in 2004, Fokou attended Frostburg State, a Division III school, where he quickly earned a starting job and made 70 tackles — 5.5 behind the line of scrimmage — in 10 games before deciding to try play with the big boys in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
So he transferred to Maryland, and after sitting out the 2005 season to comply with NCAA rules, Fokou earned playing time in all 13 games last year as a reserve linebacker and on special teams, finishing the season with 21 tackles.
“I came to camp, earned a spot on the team, and from there it’s been all uphill, it’s been a good journey,” Fokou said. “[In 2005], I just got a feel for how fast the tempo and the speed is at this level - just adjusting and getting bigger and stronger in the weight room - it gave me time to grow up a little bit. Now I’m starting, playing a lot of ball. I’m happy to be here.”
For Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen, the feeling is mutual. Since several key starters have been hindered by injuries, Friedgen has been forced to play Fokou on defense and on special teams to keep one of the most talented Terrapins on the field.
“He’s played extremely well. He’s a guy who can run very well, he’s tackling better, he’s really added a dimension to our defense with his speed and quickness,” Friedgen said. “He’s a guy who’s playing defensive end for us, and nickel. It kind of shows you how recruiting goes. He wasn’t highly recruited at all, [he has] a lot of determination. He really helps the speed on our defense.”
Today at noon, the Terrapins (5-5 overall, 2-4) face Florida State (6-4, 3-4), which is coming off a disappointing 40-21 loss to Virginia Tech. The Seminoles feature three of the ACC’s fastest wide receivers — senior De’Cody Fagg (40 catches, 589 yards, 4 TDs), junior Greg Carr (35 catches, 653 yards, 3 TDs) and sophomore Preston Parker (47 catches, 610 yards, 3 TDs).
“They have good receivers,” Fokou said. “They are a lot faster than our last opponent, number eight Boston College ... and their quarterback likes to throw a quick ball, so we have to be on our toes.”
dduberstein@baltimoreexaminer.com
Comments from Examiner Readers
7:23 AM MST on Sun., Oct. 21, 2007 re: "Terps can't contain Virginia"
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8:21 AM MST on Sun., Sep. 23, 2007
re: "Terps blow big lead, fall to Wake Forest"
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3:28 PM MST on Sat., Sep. 22, 2007
re: "Terps show confidence after West Virginia loss"
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Terp watcher said:
The defensive Turtle's seem to forget a football game is played for 4 quarters. This was a hard lost, but one I hope they build on.
190 agree | 164 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Wow, the Terps must be brimming with confidence this day.
187 agree | 172 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Yep, the more they lose, the more confident they get. Makes sense to me.
211 agree | 185 disagree
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