"Where Are They Now? Wednesday" – Fred Stokes

A four -year letterman and All-American for Coach Erk Russell, Fred Stokes was a 1987 NFL Draft pick and spent the next decade of his life playing defensive end for the LA/St. Louis Rams, Washington Redskins and New Orleans Saints. Known as "Big Play Stokes" by his colleagues in the NFL for his knack for making a big play at just the right time, he was considered for Super Bowl XXVI MVP honors in 1991  after totally 2.5 sacks, forcing a fumble and recording a fumble recovery.

A successful businessman and CEO of Fred Stokes Foods, he also serves as the substitute coordinator for the athletics programs at Lake Highland Prep where his three sons played sports. He also has coached the defensive line for the varsity team.

Q: How did you get started playing football?
"I starting playing football as a kid (pre-teens) because it was fun and I could hang with my buddies. However, I stopped playing football after my seventh grade year and I didn't play again until my senior year in High School. On the other hand, I did play basketball and participated in track and field
 
Q: How did your experience as a student-athlete at Georgia Southern prepare you for life?
 
"In sports, you usually get off of it what you put into it. Well, life's the same way. If you properly prepare yourself, you can be satisfied with the results no matter the outcome.  I learned a lot those real life lessons from my playing days with Coach Erk Russell.  It was a tremendous blessing to play for him.  When it came to choosing right from wrong, he told us to simply....'DO RIGHT!'" 

Q:  What is your favorite Georgia Southern memory?
 "Winning our very first National Championship against Furman University in 1985! 
Tracy Ham hit Frankie Johnson in the back of the endzone with 14 seconds left on the clock."

Q: What was the best advice you received as an Eagle student-athlete and who gave it to you?
 I needed to realize how talented I was at playing football.  I was told that if I really commented myself to the game of football, I could possibly play in the NFL.
  
Coach Erk Russell spoke that into my life.  Matter of fact, he reached out to one of his former players Guy McIntyre, from the University of Georgia, who was currently playing offensive tackle for the 49ers.  Coach Russell asked Guy to share his personal life story with me in hopes that it would encourage me to apply myself more.
 
Q: What advice would you give an Eagle student-athlete today?
 Be thankful.  Make the most of every opportunity that you are given and get your degree! Take lots of photos (ones that you will not be embarrassed to show your kids) -- trust me, you will be glad you did when the ride comes to an end. 

Q: What do you consider your strengths as you have applied them in building your business?
 My work ethics and people skills. I believe that God has blessed me with the ability to connect with people of all backgrounds.