Interview: 2017 LB Noah Fontenot Talks Louisiana-Lafayette Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
There are Herculean events that happen on the gridiron that are instantly recognizable and then there are others fans come to find out about after the fact that mystify us all. Along the way to helping his St. Thomas More High School squad notch a Louisiana 4A stat title, Noah Fontenot was the man in the middle stuffing the run and detouring pass plays from going into the box. All his on the field heroics led to a commitment to Louisiana-Lafayette on Wednesday. What many do not know, he did all of it basically on one leg.
College football recruiters throughout the region had a close eye on Fontenot after an amazing junior season. The 6-0, 220 pound, backer was a big part of the Cougars 10-3 team in 2015 racking up 123 total tackles, 73 solo, one interception, three forced fumbles, and six sacks. During the spring, Fontenot tore his ACL putting a damper on an all too important senior season.
The prevailing thought at the time of Fontenot’s injury was doom and gloom. That thought was for everyone but Fontenot. The All-State performer did not slump his head feeling sorry for himself, but fought back getting onto the field for eight games in 2016. After four-and-a-half months of recovery and rehab, Fontenot racked up 71 total tackles, netting three tackles for a loss, a sack, and a fumble recovery getting a crowning achievement of his high school career with a 54-29 state title win over Parkview Baptist in 2016. In the state title game, Fontenot was at his best tallying 15 total tackles.
All is well that ends well, but wait, there is more… three plays into his triumphant return in his Game 1, a teammate rolled into his leg causing some pain and discomfort. Fontenot kept playing but found out after the season that he had in fact tore his ACL a second time on that play.
Just days away from going under the knife for a second time, I got a few minutes in with the Ragin Cajuns newest commit to get the inside scoop on how everything went down along with an overview on his senior season.
Interview
Noah, first, congratulations on your commitment to Louisiana-Lafayette.
“Thank you.”
Before we get into the recruiting part, how sweet was it to capture the 4A Louisiana title against Parkview Baptist after losing (24-21) to them in 2015?
“It was awesome. It was great to do it for all the teams before us, for the seniors from last year, and for the community. We made history. It still has not sunk in.”
Tell me about the history you guys made.
“It was the first time in school history to win the title. We made it last year to the championship game but lost.”
How did the playoffs overall go for you?
“The playoffs went great. We had a bye in the quarter finals. We played some tough teams. It was not an easy road but one worth traveling.”
*Beat E.D. White 56-7 in first round, University Lab 40-35, and Parkview Baptist 54-29 for the title
How was your play over the final three games?
“I felt like I played well. There were plays here and there I was upset with myself for not executing better. My knee felt at its best the last two games. I felt close to my old self the last two games of the season.”
That was the odd thing right?
“Yeah, during my first game back, on the third play, I tore my ACL again. They thought it was just scar tissue that was bothering me. I found out two days ago. I played all eight games this season with no ACL.”
ULL knows about your injury?
“Yes, they do. They have talked to my doctors. Everything is okay there.”
That leads into your big news today (Wednesday). What influenced you to commit to ULL?
“They are my home school. They are right here, about 10 minutes from my house. I have all the local support here. My family is here too. Next year I will be able to watch my brother play on Friday nights and watch my sister play in middle school. With other schools I would not get that opportunity. The facilities are great and the coaching is top of the line.”
How did the commitment take place?
“I committed this afternoon. We got out of school at 12:30. UL finished practice in New Orleans around 3:00. I called at 3:30. I called Coach Mike Desormeaux (receivers coach). He is the recruiting guy in our area. I have talked to him just about every day for the past two months, and in May, he was there when did it (ACL). He kept up with me throughout everything.
“I told him I would like to be a Cajun. It was one of those things you cannot express what is going on. It was amazing. I’m at a loss for words. It is a dream to play for UL. Growing up in this area, part of you always wants to be a Cajun.”
What was the reaction of Coach Desormeaux when you told him?
“I’d say he was pumped. He said multiple times how excited he was. He has told me that we know how to win and we know how to compete coming from St. More. I know he was excited because they had another local guy who committed before me.”
How did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed?
“Confident. I was not nervous. I had been praying about it and I spoke with my family, coaches, friends, and my teammates about it. I was weighing all the pros and cons. Once I knew, I knew. I’m excited to get there.”
Have you taken any of your official visits yet?
“No, not yet.”
When do you take your official to the Cajuns?
“I do not know yet. I’ll find out when they get back from New Orleans. They have an important game coming up (New Orleans Bowl vs. Southern Miss). I just wanted to get my future set.”
Which other schools did you have offers from before you committed?
“I had offers from UAM (Arkansas-Monticello) and Arkansas State. I had preferred walk-on offers at ULM (Louisiana-Monroe) and at McNeese State.”
Do you plan on recruiting other players to join you?
“I’m trying to get Hunter Clay (defensive tackle) there. He’s a beast from STM (St. Thomas More). He’s up in the air about where he wants to go. I’m trying to get my roommate.”
When do you officially report to Louisiana-Lafayette?
“In June.”
When is your surgery set?
“I have surgery on Wednesday, Dec. 21.”
What is your recovery time?
“I have seven-and-a-half months until I report. I came back last time in four-and-a-half months. I will let this one heal so I can have a great career at UL.”
What has the surgeon said about your recovery outlook this time?
“My surgeon said it will be 10-times better this time. It’s not about if it’s about when. We are all very excited.”
Noah, congratulations on your commitment today and good luck with your surgery and rehab.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credits: Fontenot family; Noah Fontenot.