Fresno State Athletics
Countdown to Kickoff: 13 Days
8/19/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 19, 2008
FRESNO, Calif. - Bulldog senior Ikenna Ike has overcome more obstacles than most student-athletes. Numerous injuries could have sidelined or halted the defensive tackle, but Ike never gave up on his dream to play football.
During his senior year of high school an injury stalled his football career. Ike was recruited by schools to play football, but his injury prevented him from earning a scholarship anywhere.
"Schools stopped shopping for me, so I had to start shopping for a school that was the right for me," said Ike.
Luckily for Pat Hill and the Bulldogs, Ike saw a perfect match at Fresno State. Ike started out as a walk-on and redshirted in 2004. After working hard in the weight room and classroom Ike was offered a scholarship. Ike is a two time Academic All-WAC student-athlete.
Playing football was not the only thing on Ike's mind. His priority was earning a degree and furthering his education.
"Football is a beautiful and fun game, but it is also unforgiving," said Ike. "My parents instilled in me to have a back up plan because anything can happen in football, especially injuries."
Already facing and overcoming one injury Ike was ready for a long and successful career at Fresno State. Determined to be a driving force on the defensive line, Ike continued to work hard and prepare for each season.
In the 2005 season Ike played in eight games and had 14 tackles and four sacks. His playing time grew in the 2006 season earning time in 12 games and starting two with 31 tackles and two and half sacks.
The beginning of the 2007 season looked promising for the defensive tackle. He played in six games and had six solo tackles and 15 assisted for a total of 23 tackles. Ike also had a sack with a loss of nine yards.
Ike had a solo tackle, two assisted tackles, and a sack against Sacramento State in the home opener in 2007. Then five games later a hand injury sidelined him for the second half of the season.
"I was at the top of my game," said Ike. "Then boom out of no where a freak injury happens, at first I was in denial and didn't want to believe my season was over."
After some encouraging words from his mother, Ike decided to not sit around in denial. Instead, he took care of his injury, and began the rehabilitation process. His determination and drive to succeed did not fail him. Ike was cleared to play in Boise, Idaho for the Roady's Humanitarian Bowl, where he was happy to get back on the field and play.
"Ike was a starter before his hand injury," said Coach Kerry Locklin. "He came back for the bowl game and finished strong. He helped finish the season strong."
As a senior, Ike has taken over the role as a leader on the squad. He has trained and prepared for his last season as a Bulldog. Ike has been lifting, running, and watch film during his down time.
"He is a smart kid and he cares about the program," said Locklin. "We have a challenging schedule and he has the opportunity to write the script and make things happen."
Ike is a team player. When you ask him anything about himself his responses credit the entire defensive line. His goals for this season is for Fresno State to have the best defensive line in the WAC and be the most feared on the West Coast.
"Ike has already finished school and now needs to finish athletically," said Locklin. "He has one last chapter to write here at Fresno State and we are excited for the results."
Now in his last season with the Bulldogs Ike has accomplished a lot. He has graduated with a degree in business management and will pursue a master's degree. Football has helped him academically and professionally too.
"On a football team there are 100 different personalities and you learn to respect them all," said Ike. "I have learned to communicate with people and respect their differences, which will help in any career."
Coming tomorrow: 10 questions with Offensive Coordinator Doug Nussmeier
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The first Big Ten team will travel to the Valley on September 13th as the No. 25 `Dogs take on Wisconsin in the home opener at 7:30 pm. The game can be seen nationally on ESPN2. All tickets are on sale now. In the month of August, get your official Wisconsin game day t-shirt at the Bulldog Shop for only $10 with any purchase. To purchase tickets, click on the tickets icon at the top of this page, call the Bulldog Ticket Office at (559) 278-DOGS, or stop by the Bulldog Ticket Office.
