Each weekday, ESPN RISE brings you five vital stats from athletes across the country.
Steven Fanua is known for delivering a few bone-crunching hits each game. That's what helped the Milpitas (Calif.) senior earn 14 full scholarship offers to top-tier programs across the country. But while the star linebacker accumulated an average of 200 tackles a season for the past two years, he's not content. Fanua is ready to work even harder to achieve his ultimate dream of playing in the NFL. With that in mind, the senior is here to share his five tips to being a great linebacker.
1. Fly to the ball
"When I train with my dad, the focus is on working on speed training. I've been told I bring a lot of speed to the game. Wherever the ball is, I try to be there to fill the holes."
2. Don't worry about yourself
"I was being double-teamed most of the season but I see that as an opening for my other linebackers. I welcome the double team."
3. Get crazy
"On the field I'm a whole other person. I'm pretty plaid back guy off the field, but on the football field I'm more intense. I like to get my team hyped up, and I like to be hyped."
4. Look for a role model
"Troy Polamalu is a real inspiration. Another player I really respect is Ray Lewis and his work ethic. He has the best work ethic. I also went to 49ers training camp and saw Patrick Willis. He's relentless."
5. Hard work pays off
"I've built up my work ethic over the years. It doesn't matter what people think. If you're the hardest worker, it's all going to pay off."