Knights’ Fukutomi is focused on the gridiron

By Shaun Scott • October 20, 2017 4:30 pm
Photo courtesy of Rick Edelman/Rick Edelman Photography Newport Knights senior Marcus Fukutomi makes a move upfield after making a catch against the Skyline Spartans in a Class 4A KingCo contest on Sept. 8.
Photo courtesy of Rick Edelman/Rick Edelman Photography Newport Knights senior Marcus Fukutomi makes a move upfield after making a catch against the Skyline Spartans in a Class 4A KingCo contest on Sept. 8.

Newport Knights senior Marcus Fukutomi is the definition of a football player.

Fukutomi is an old school kind of guy who doesn’t care what position he plays as long as he is on the field between the white lines on game day. Throughout his high school career, Fukutomi said he’s played a myriad of positions consisting of wide receiver, tight end, safety, cornerback, long snapper and punter.

“The (Newport) coaching staff put me wherever they need me. I’m very versatile,” Fukutomi said with a smile.

Fukutomi was part of a Newport 2014 squad that advanced to the Class 4A semifinals. Even though Fukutomi was a mild-mannered freshman at the time, the memories of the journey to the Tacoma Dome still resonate with him.

“I was the only freshman who got to play in the playoffs. It was such a cool and great experience,” he said.

Fukutomi, who cracked the starting lineup as a sophomore during the 2015 season, is a huge fan of Newport head coach Drew Oliver and his staff. Oliver, who is in his fourth season as head coach, focuses on aspects of life that extend beyond the realm of the football field.

“He is always about making us better men. He is really trying to prepare us for more than just football. He wants to get us prepared for the rest of our lives and train us to be good gentleman. He really harps on all the little things,” Fukutomi said.

Recently the Bellevue Reporter had an opportunity to ask Fukutomi a few questions about his life away from the football field.

Bellevue Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Marcus Fukutomi: “The Longest Yard” (2005 version). It is just a really funny movie. Football is my sport so there is just a big connection to it.

BR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

MF: People that aren’t aware of things. Growing up, my dad was big with making sure I knew what was going on.

BR: Where do you see yourself in five years?

MF: I plan on going to a four-year college and playing college football. After that, getting a job and after a couple of years, maybe starting a family.

BR: What is something unique about you that nobody would know?

MF: I have played a sport every season of high school.

BR: What is your favorite dinner dish?

MF: Steak (medium rare) and mashed potatoes.

BR: What is your favorite eatery in Bellevue?

MF: Tokyo Steak House. I just like how they cook it in front of you. I think that is really cool. Their food is really good.

BR: How many text messages do you send per day?

MF: I probably send 150 per day.