SoCal LB has island fever

Linebacker/offensive lineman Ben Fanene (6-1, 220, 4.75) from Carlsbad, Calif., is a player to watch in 2004. Though he missed half of the season, Fanene was still impressive enough to be selected second-team all-league. The league that Fanene plays in is one to the toughest leagues in San Diego County. Fanene was timed at 4.75 in the 40-yard dash at the MSL combine.

Perhaps the Warriors of Hawaii is the team to beat in this recruiting battle because Fanene was born in Hawaii and would love playing there.

That’s not to say Fanene is not considering other schools.

“I'd like to make visits to Purdue, Hawaii, San Diego State, UCLA, and Fresno State,” Fanene said. “I really have my mind set on Hawaii so I will probably make my decision as soon as I can. Making visits would help but won't really be a necessity.”

“Washington is the only school I'm getting mail from at this time,” Fanene said. “I'd like to hear from Hawaii, Air Force, San Diego State, Fresno State, UCLA, Oregon, Utah State, TCU, Nebraska, Iowa State, Ohio State, Purdue, and Virginia Tech.”

“The favorite at this time is Hawaii since I was born there,” Fanene said. “I really want to go back.”

What are Fanene’s strengths as a football player?

“I read the play well and play fast and strong,” Fanene said. “I'm a very physical player.”

“I would describe myself as a cobra, I strike quickly,” Fanene said. “I try to play like Junior Seau of Miami so that would be who I'd compare my style of play to.”

What does Fanene want in a school?

“Distance will be a factor as I wouldn't go to the east coast except to maybe Purdue,” Fanene said. “How the coaches treat me, and what I feel is the best environment for me will decide where I go.”

“I plan to attend the NIKE football-training camp in San Diego,” Fanene said. “I have set a sports goal of 110+ tackles and of course, a national championship."

Fanene benches 315 pounds, squats 410 pounds, and has a 35-inch vertical leap., a 2.8 core GPA, and will take the SAT in June.