When former Cerritos College offensive tackle Fou Fonoti was an All-American during his sophomore season in 2010, he was widely considered one of the best linemen to ever play for the Falcons. His post-season awards included everything from being a JCFootball.com/JC Grid Wire and SuperPrep JUCO All-Amercian, to being selected California Community College Football Coaches Association All-American, while he was ranked among the nation's Top 100 JUCO players by SuperPrep (No. 32) and #4 among the county's offensive linemen. 

Recruited by almost every Division I college in the country, Fonoti chose to continue his playing career at Michigan State University. He became the team's starting right tackle for the final 11 games in 2011 and did not allow a sack. Fonoti was slated to resume his starting role, and did just that until a broken foot in practice prior to the third week of the season ended his year.

"I struggled," Fonoti told iSportsweb.com of what like was like after the injury. "It went from you going to playing with these guys, to feeling as if you are invisible. You're in meetings and there's nothing for them to talk to you about because you're not on the film. For me, I really struggled mentally, because I didn't know if I could still feel part of the team."

But Fonoti was granted his senior year of eligibility year back and he is preparing to finish what he started. A pre-season All-Big Ten selection by Athlon Sports (second team) and Lindy's (third team), Fonoti is anxious to be back on the field for the Spartans home opener on August 30 against Western Michigan University. 

"Words can't explain," Fonoti said. "Being able to put a helmet back on and wear that 51 again and being able to be beside my brothers. It's definitely heart warming. My goal is to give it all I got," added Fonoti. "I definitely feel something special about this team. Our goal is to just play that hard-nosed Spartan football. That's out mindset."