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September 13, 2003

Growing up in Sierra Leone, a small country on the west coast of Africa, football was the last thing on Moe Fofana's mind.

The life he lives today is a far cry from what he experienced as a child, but it's the knowledge he gained through the first nine years of his life there that molded Fofana into the man that he is today.

Being the only son in a household of six, Fofana was raised to work for the good of his family. Spending the first few years of his life watching his parents and sisters work countless hours to support his family helped him better appreciate the opportunities he has been given today.

"Growing up all I ever saw my parents do was work hard," Fofana recalls. "I watched my mom, dad and sisters go through many hard days. Why would I just come here (U.S.) and let it all go to waste? That isn't part of my lifestyle."

At age nine, Fofana and his family left their homeland and moved to the United States, where they began a new life in their current hometown of Silver Spring, Md. After Fofana settled into school, he decided to play football at Sherwood High and Waynesburg College before walking on to the WVU football team in 2001.

Fofana realized he had a steep hill to climb if he wanted to have an opportunity to play as a fullback in Rich Rodriguez' offense. He knew, however, that as long as he continued to display the same work ethic that his parents instilled in him at a young age, he would impress the coaching staff and put himself in the position for quality playing time.

"In this offense, there aren't many plays for the fullback so every time you step on the field you've got to make sure you focus and get the job done," states the physical education major.

Fofana's strategy worked to perfection. The WVU coaching staff took notice of his continuous progression on and off the field. Fofana's work ethic, energy and enthusiasm spread like wildfire to everyone on the team, and his presence alone served as a sparkplug to the WVU offense.

"When Moe comes in he's ready to roll," running backs coach Calvin Magee says. "When he gets in there his energy lifts everyone because he's ready and plays so hard. He's an unselfish guy who takes a lot of pride in what he does."

It's that team-first attitude and up-tempo energy and production that propelled Fofana to earn a scholarship prior to the 2002 season.

"When I found out I was getting a scholarship, I was the happiest man in the world," the 5-10, 250-pound senior explains with a smile. "It was a lot of stress off my mom and dad, because now they don't have to worry about me going to school. It's almost like I can take care of myself on my own now and they can finally be Mom and Dad again."

Aside from earning a scholarship, Fofana was also the recipient of the 2002 Tom Nickolich Memorial Award from Blue and Gold News for outstanding dedication by a walk-on in the WVU program.

"Being picked out of the whole team for the Nickolich Award is my proudest honor as a member of this football team," Fofana recollects. "It really meant a lot to me to be chosen out of all the walk-ons."

Fofana's hard work and dedication finally paid off just prior to the 2002 season when he was officially named starting fullback on the WVU offense. At a time when most would be ecstatic, Fofana continued to stay level-headed and kept everything in perspective.

"First of all, winning the starting fullback job is an everyday duty. There is no such thing as winning the job for the year. It is a weekly thing and you have to keep that mindset. My main goal is to be consistent in what I do."

As mild-mannered as Fofana appears to be off the football field, he's anything but on game day. Nicknamed the "13-play assassin" for his prominent hits on opposing defenders, Fofana brings his "A-game" every time he steps onto the field.

"I have to be better than the next man," says the determined Fofana. "As a football player I consider myself to be aggressive, determined and all together hard working."

His coaches agree.

"He has a great work ethic," Magee says. "He is a leader in summer workouts, works hard in the weight room and goes full speed every play he gets in."

Whether he is energizing his teammates with his infectious enthusiasm, opening holes by pancaking opposing linebackers or spending time as a true family man, you can always count on Moe Fofana to be "Mr. Dependable."

Jarrod Sudduth is a student assistant in the WVU Sports Communications office.