Feature article on John Fonoti

HA Note: "John Fonoti's commitment to the offseason conditioning program is a slam dunk. That was evident yesterday morning, when he performed a taxing drill in the University of Hawai'i's Klum Gym. Starting in a back-to-the-ground position, Fonoti was required to spring to his feet, catch a rubber ball on the second bounce, and then soar for a dunk. Swish!"

Praising John Fonoti's condition, David Veikune said:
"He's in shape." (HA)

HA Note: "This offseason, middle linebacker Brashton Satele and Fonoti, who is listed as the No. 1 defensive right end, are workout partners. Their day begins with a 5 a.m. wake-up call."

About how Fonoti has been motivated for his workouts, Satele said:
"I used to have to call him. Now, the majority of the time he's waking up on his own. Now he's calling me. He's way more committed this year. He's taking on a leadership role." (HA)

HA Note: "It is a remarkable change from last season, when Fonoti's career was in retreat. After a promising freshman season in 2005, Fonoti was forced to redshirt in 2006. Although he was academically eligible by UH and NCAA standards, the coaches felt he needed to focus more on his academics. He was not allowed to practice with the team or attend meetings. What's more, his football scholarship was revoked. Last summer, he was told he would be reinstated to the team. But without a scholarship, he had to work in construction."

About working in construction, Fonoti said:
"It was hard work. I had to carry some heavy stuff." (HA)

About how working in construction left him little time to train with his teammates, Fonoti said:
"I used to walk in here and see everybody training. I'd say, 'Good job.' " (HA)

About how his poor preparation showed up in the first practice, where ever player is asked to run ten 22-yard sprints, Fonoti said:
"I did three. Last year, I was so out of shape. I couldn't do anything. I wasn't that committed. I was slacking off." (HA)

HA Note: "He suffered another setback when he injured his heels after falling off a roof. But, by the end of the season, Fonoti worked his way into the rotation at defensive end. He also emerged as a physical player on special teams. During spring practice, head coach Greg McMackin, who was the defensive coordinator last season, declared open competition at all of the positions. By the end of spring training, Veikune and Fonoti established themselves as the No. 1 defensive ends."

About being the #1 DE at the end of Spring Training, Fonoti said:
"I don't take it as a starting job. Everybody is equal. All I can do is work hard and train hard." (HA)

About how his Mom wakes up early to drop him off, Fonoti said:
"I have to wake up my mom to drop me off (at UH). She has the hard job. She has to wake up early." (HA)

HA Note: "Fonoti then spends the next several hours competing running and agility drills, lifting weights, and competing in more running and agility drills. The 6-foot-3 junior said he now weighs "a solid 265," up from last season, when he was 240."

About the weight that Fonoti has gained, Veikune said:
"He's heavier than me. He's always in the weight room." (HA)

About his workouts, Fonoti said:
"I'm trying to bust my butt, trying to stay in shape." (HA)

About how he will receive a football scholarship in the fall, Fonoti said:
"I'm very thankful." (HA)