Simon Poti had been a starting linebacker for the Fullerton College football team for the past two seasons. He appeared in 12 of the Hornets’ 13 games this year, and had 68 tackles, 5 sacks, an interception and 2 fumbles recovered. Beyond the stats, he was one of the leaders of a defense that carried the Hornets all the way to the California Community College Athletic Association State Championship game. After two seasons, it was time for Poti to transition to university level football. On Wednesday, Poti signed a letter of intent to play football at the University of Hawaii.

1) What is your major and why did you choose it?

Kinesiology. I’ve always wanted to work with other athletes and prepare them to be the best just like my dad has trained me to be the best. I want to be a strength and conditioning coach at major Division 1 University.

2) What is your career goal and why?

My career goal is to play in the NFL. Football is what I love to play and I want to repay my parents for all their hard work. I would love it if they don’t have to pay a single bill.

3) What is your driving force to dedicate so much time and energy to football?

What keeps me motivated is that I want to be great. God has blessed me with these talents and there is no better way to thank him than to glorify Him by being the best at what He’s given me.

4) What is your favorite football memory?

My best football memory has to be playing for the CCCAA State Championship this past season. Though we didn’t win, this 2013 team was basically my family and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

5) What are you passionate about outside of football?

I am what you would call a “church boy.” I’m a strong believer of Christ. My faith is what keeps me going. All my success on and off the field goes to God because he’s the one that gave me everything.

6) Who are some of your idols?

I don’t have idols but I look up to players like [Stanford University Linebacker] Shayne Skov, [Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB] Mason Foster, and [San Francisco 49ers LBs] Navarro Bowman & Patrick Willis. My family is my biggest inspiration.

7) Did you play any other sports? Why did you ultimately choose football?

I’ve actually played Baseball since I was little. I was a four-year starter on varsity in high school. I had offers to play baseball for some Division 1 baseball teams. I picked football because baseball was a mental game. In football I can hit somebody and feel better.

8) Who is your hero?

My hero is my dad. He’s shown me how to play football. He said, “I won’t force you to play football, but if you do, you better play and prepare to the best of your abilities.” He’s taught me to be a better man, and how to keep God first in my life.

9) Why did you choose the University of Hawaii? Were there other offers?

I chose Hawaii because of the their football program. They went 1-11 last year but coach Norm Chow can turn this thing around and he really wanted me to be part of that change. I had offers from University of New Mexico, Fresno State, New Mexico State and Utah State.

10) What is your favorite Fullerton College memory?

My favorite FC memory has to be the Family that I’ve been apart of on the football team.