June 5, 2009

Maryland Media Relations is proud to present the second in a series of Q&As detailing former Terrapins' first impressions of life in the National Football League. The second installment of `Terps in the NFL' features Moise Fokou. A former walk-on who posted 183 tackles during his three seasons at Maryland, Fokou was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft. The outside linebacker from Rockville, Md., demonstrated big-play ability throughout his career as a Terp, forcing five fumbles and recording seven sacks, including a team-high five during the 2008 season. Fokou recently spoke with Maryland Media Relations regarding the thrill of being drafted, the city of Philadelphia and the Eagles' formidable defensive unit.

Media Relations: What was it like hearing your name called on draft day?
Moise Fokou: "It was amazing, like a dream come true. You work so hard during your college days and you dream of playing professional football. Seeing your name come up on that draft board, it feels like a dream come true."

MR: Had you been to Philadelphia prior to working out for the Eagles? What is your perception of the city?
Fokou: "No, I actually had not been here before. It definitely seems like a nice city. It seems kind of like a clash between Baltimore and (Washington) D.C., but I haven't done much sight-seeing yet. Right now I'm really focused on the playbook and learning the plays."

MR: What has it been like learning from accomplished football gurus like head coach Andy Reid and defensive coordinator Jim Johnson?
Fokou: "These are the guys that you see and hear about on TV all the time. Jim Johnson is a great defensive mind, and Andy Reid has been a very well respected coach in the NFL for a long time. To be a part of their team and to learn from their staff is incredible. I'm just trying to learn everything I can right now."

MR: How have minicamps and organized training activities (OTAs) gone so far?
Fokou: "I've been up here in Philly for about three weeks and we've had about 10 OTA sessions so far. Being a rookie, you come to the OTAs and you're being taught a completely different defense and different terminology. There's a learning curve, and that's what the OTAs are for. You get in there and get a lot of reps and learn all the new schemes. The OTAs help a lot because come training camp they expect you to know what to do."

MR: You led Maryland in special teams tackles in each of the last two seasons. Do you feel you have a chance to make an immediate impact on special teams for the Eagles?
Fokou: "From day one I've been hearing that I can bring (special teams ability) to an NFL team immediately. I hope that holds true. I've been working hard here day in and day out so that I can contribute. I want to help my team out any way I can. I do think I can help out on special teams, and in the future at linebacker, too."

MR: The Eagles have a reputation for strong defense. Have you sensed a swagger with the defensive unit during your short time in Philadelphia?
Fokou: "Oh yeah, definitely. You see it from the secondary to the linebackers to the d-line. Some guys are more vocal and some guys are more mellow about it, but our entire defense here has a swagger. They want to be good, they want to be great."

MR: What is the biggest difference between playing football at the collegiate and professional levels?
Fokou: "Coach (Ralph) Friedgen was always on us about being on time for meetings. Now you get used to showing up early and leaving late all the time. You treat it as your job. Being in the NFL, you treat it as a job just like anyone else would treat their job. You have to be professional and put in the extra time to become better at your job. That's the biggest difference - you're still doing something you love, but now you need to take it even more seriously."

MR: Has it sunk in yet that you are playing professional football at its highest level?
Fokou: "The first minicamp we had, it hadn't sunk in yet. But now that I've been up here for a little longer, it's starting to sink in and I'm starting to get adjusted a little bit."

MR: What are your thoughts regarding the Terrapins' young linebacker unit heading into the 2009 season?
Fokou: "It was only about two years ago when me, Erin Henderson, Dave Philistin and Chase Bullock were thought of as a young linebacker corp. I think we did a pretty good job of holding our own, so I think the current group of linebackers will be just fine under the leadership of Adrian Moten and Alex Wujciak."