NFL DRAFT – Late Round Steals
L.J. FORT, ILB, NORTHERN IOWA
If you have ever watched a Northern Iowa football game then, you know who L.J. Fort is. Standing at 6’1 and weighing 232 lbs, L.J. Fort led the entire FCS with an amazing 184 tackles. That is crazy good, for a team that finished the season with a 10-3 record. He was not always on defense; he was always around the ball which makes a world of difference. Fort could be a steal for a team that needs a Linebacker in the middle of the field. He could fit extremely well in a 3-4 defense, and could be a good MLB for a 4-3. He also has been used as a running back and has good coverage skills. L.J is a good kid, who stays in the Bible, he is ready to get an opportunity on the football field, and any kid that can get 184 tackles in a single season seems pretty deserving of a late round flyer. L.J will now explain his journey and what he is expecting in his path to the draft.
What was your best childhood memory of playing football?
First time ever playing football was in Hawaii, I was playing with a bunch of Samoans and I had a great time. They were pretty big boys and hit hard.
What position did you play in High School?
I was a running back and linebacker. I won Offensive MVP of the state of Missouri when I was a senior in high school for Waynesville, MO.
What was the transition from High School to Northern Iowa like?
The speed was a big difference for me, I was coming to Northern Iowa to play OLB, but I ended up playing middle line backer by the end of my senior season.
What colleges were looking at you when you were coming out of school?
KU, K-State, Central Michigan, Arkansas State, Mizzou, Missouri State University, Northern Iowa, Northwestern Missouri
A 184 tackles is pretty amazing, what was it that makes you such a good tackler?
My coach has made me a better football player. He showed me the mistakes I was making, and taught me how to keep my momentum forward and the ability to get off the blocks. That made a world of difference.
What was your most memorable moment at Northern Iowa?
My best moment had to be my first career start, as a true sophomore playing against the University of Iowa. We lost by a field goal, which was blocked but we were competing with them.
Do you have a pre-game ritual?
Nope, not really
Do you have any hobbies?
I love going to bible study and worship, real big in faith
What is your favorite Bible scripture?
Galatians 1:10 – Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
If you could meet one person dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Michael Jordan, just because he knows everything that it takes to become a champion.
What NFL teams have spoken with you so far?
There were tons of teams during the season, but I have to get with my coach to see who was all asking about me.
Who was your favorite football team growing up?
The Chicago Bears, my whole family is from Chicago. I know the whole roster of the 1985 team and I wasn’t even born yet.
What football player do you compare yourself too, and why?
My favorite player growing up was Charles Woodson that is why I am number 24, but the player I would compare myself to is Jon Beason. He is a smaller linebacker but is very athletic and can hit.
If you could pick out your biggest weakness what would it be?
I would say from my junior year, Point of Attack, that is what I had to improve on the most, but my senior year I was able to improve on that.
Everyone asks this question but I’m curious to know what will you buy first with your first NFL pay check?
If it was a nice check, I would get my mother a house.
I would like to thank L.J. Fort for the great interview, and from us at www.profootballzone.com, we wish you a great and spectacular journey. Keep up the hard work.
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