Fonoti attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he played for the Nebraska Cornhuskers from 1999 to 2001.[2] He is only the third freshman in Nebraska team history to earn playing time on the Cornhuskers' offensive line. He was a first-team All-Big 12 selection in 2000 and 2001, and was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American following his 2001 junior season.[3] He was also a semifinalist for the Lombardi Award and a finalist for the Outland Trophy. During his time as a Cornhusker, he set three team records: single-game record 32 pancake blocks vs. Texas Tech (2001); single-season record of 201 pancake blocks (2001); and career record of 379 pancakes.
Professional career
Pre-draft
Projected as a late first round selection, Fonoti was rated as the No. 1 offensive guard available in the 2002 NFL draft by Sports Illustrated.[4] He was noted for "[obliterating] defenders at the line of scrimmage", and "[keeping] his feet moving in pass protection and anchors, not giving up an inch of ground".[5]
^Bruce Feldman. "Rock Star". ESPN The Magazine. Vol. 4, no. 24. Retrieved November 24, 2021.
^2011 NCAA Football Records Book, Award Winners, National Collegiate Athletic Association, Indianapolis, Indiana, p. 11 (2011). Retrieved June 24, 2012.