If you’ve ever played sports, you know one thing; hard work pays off. And for VJ Fehoko — who signed a contract with the Cleveland Browns on Saturday after the seventh round of the NFL Draft — that hard work paid off.
Since transferring from Utah, Fehoko has been heralded as a nose-to-the-grindstone kind of guy, with a never quit attitude. VJ may not have the best measurables in college football, but it’s no coincidence he was signed to the Cleveland Browns.
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Cleveland Head Coach Mike Pettine has a proxy connection to Fehoko, through co-defensive coordinator Mike Smith. In 2005, Smith played for the Baltimore Ravens as a linebacker, and Mike Pettine was the outside linebackers coach. While Smith was not directly one of his players, that’s where the foundation was laid.
When Mike Smith entered the realm of NFL coaching, his first gig was as an intern with the New York Jets during the 2010 season. Mike Pettine had been there for a year, and continued as the team’s defensive coordinator over Mike Smith (moved into the linebacker coaching role) through the 2012 season.
According to www.dawgsbynature.com, VJ is currently the only linebacker signed as an undrafted free agent. They also only took one linebacker in the draft; Hayes Pullard from USC. Their physical attributes are very close, with Pullard leaning toward the speedier side on his forty time, and VJ having an incredible 32 reps at 225-pounds on the bench press.
Very few players make it from signing a UFA contract to getting playing time in the league, but with the scarcity of depth at the ILB/MLB position, VJ Fehoko just might fit the mold. One thing is for certain: he would improve the special teams play of just about any team in the NFL. But with a great work ethic and being a positive influence in the locker room, VJ just might have what it takes to make the Browns’ roster this year, and having the inside track with Mike Smith can’t hurt either.