by Kristie Boudwin
Daily Lobo
Cougar offense beware, Fola Fashola is back to lead a hungry Lobo defense.
The 5-foot-11-inch, 209-pound linebacker started his 2003 senior season with 11 tackles and three sacks in the first two games.
At the end of the second game, Fashola went down and did not get back up. A torn ACL ended his year on the football field.
"It made me respect the game even more," Fashola said. "One minute you can be playing and the next minute you can't."
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Fashola was granted a medical red shirt for the 2003 season, allowing him one more season of eligibility.
This is Fashola's third year as a Lobo, making him a veteran player and an experienced leader.
Defensive coordinator Osia Lewis said he is excited about Fashola's return.
"I think he brings experience and playmaking ability to the team," Lewis said. "I hope after his knee injury, he is the same."
Lewis said he took it slow getting Fashola back into practice.
According to the Sports Illustrated Web site, Fashola was the team's best linebacker before he went down with his injury.
One of Fashola's strengths prior to his injury was his speed. He has worked to build back his acceleration, and ran a 4.7 second 40-yard dash in April for NFL scouts.
"Progressively, through camp and through game week, he has gotten himself in there," Lewis said. "He looks full speed and ready to go."
Fashola said he has set personal goals this season, but he will not reveal them until he feels they are becoming a reality.
He said right now it is important to take things one game at a time.
"I'm trying harder every play and not giving up," Fashola said. "I want to show the young guys and everyone else that I can come back from an injury and still be effective."
Fashola returns to a young Lobo defense, with only four defensive starters and just one starter to the defensive line from last year.
Linebacker Chrishone Harris said Fashola has a positive impact on the young defensive line.
"He brings experience," Harris said. "He also brings motivation, because he has played with some great players."
Fashola describes the defensive unit as "a great group of guys." He said if they stay hungry, they can accomplish great things and be better than last season.
Head coach Rocky Long commented on Fashola's return in early August.
In a defensive overview for www.golobos.com, Long acknowledged Fashola's return, saying he's a huge plus to the team.
He added that Fashola's an awfully good football player who has experience, maturity and is a playmaker.
