Breiden Fehoko received his Under Armour All-America Game jersey on Wednesday during a ceremony sponsored by American Family Insurance and attended by Fehoko’s friends, family, coaches and teammates in Honolulu.
“It was a surreal experience,” Fehoko said. “As a kid watching all the guys go through this and finally to have my dreams come true, it was such an awesome experience.”
The fact that several of Fehoko’s family members were in attendance is little surprise, as the 6-foot-3, 290-pound, ESPN 300 defensive tackle has always placed a high priority on family -- it’s a significant reason he ultimately made the decision to commit to Texas Tech.
Fehoko’s oldest brother, Sam, played football for the Red Raiders and his other brother, V.J., is a linebacker at Texas Tech now. The Fehokos have spent plenty of time at Texas Tech during the past few years and V.J.’s decision to transfer there from Utah certainly helped the Red Raiders eventually land a commitment from the younger Fehoko, the nation’s No. 53 overall prospect.
“For V.J., he really sets the tone for me,” Fehoko said. “Being that older brother above me, he molded me into what I am by showing me what I need to be to accomplish what I want to do.”
Though Texas Tech is 3-7 and the defense has given up 35 points or more in seven games, Fehoko said he has no thoughts of looking elsewhere.
“I’m done with this,” Fehoko said of his recruitment. “I’ve already signed my financial aid agreement and I’m confident in my decision.”
Breiden Fehoko receives his #UAALLAMERICA jersey. https://t.co/Wrsen6mHtT
— RecruitingNation (@ESPNRNFball) November 19, 2014
Eight questions with Breiden Fehoko
What players are you looking forward to competing with or against at the UA Game?
Fehoko: I’m looking forward to playing with Jarrett Stidham, as well as Fred Ulu-Perry and Canton Kaumatule.
If you could start a team with any player in your class, who would it be?
Fehoko: I’d probably go with Jarrett [Stidham]. He’s a dual threat and it’s not just the fact that he’s committed to my school. You see what he did with Stephenville (Texas) this year. Dude’s a player, and you always want to build your team around a quarterback.
Who is the best player to ever play in the UA Game?
Fehoko: Guys like Jadeveon Clowney and Manti Te’o. They really set the tone and were guys that balled out in this game. They didn’t just go there to experience the atmosphere. Those are guys I looked up to and I want to go fill those shoes.
What is your earliest football memory?
Fehoko: I was about 4 or 5 years old and my dad made me suit up with my older brothers in the back yard. Boy did I get tossed around. I’m thankful for it now, but that was real backyard football.
Which football player do you idolize or model your game after?
Fehoko: A whole bunch of guys, but one guy I like to model my game after is Aaron Donald. I like the way he’s so explosive and has great hands. Another guy is John Randle, the legend. His motor is as fast as mine.
If you could take on any pro player in their sport, who would it be?
Fehoko: Christiano Ronaldo, hands down. That guy is probably one of the most hated and respected athletes in the world. Hopefully I could get some of the women he gets as well.
Why do you wear your number?
Fehoko: No. 1 represents my older sister, Brittany. She passed on, and every time I take the field, I’m proud to wear it.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
Fehoko: I’m kind of a genius with computers. On the field I’m smashmouth and talk a bunch of crap, but off the field my hobby is working with computers.