#11 Khairi Fortt
Linebacker
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Team: Penn State
Class: Sophomore
Ht/Wt: 6'2"/234
Hometown: Stamford, Conn./Stamford |
When Khairi Fortt enrolled at Penn State in January 2010, he desired to join the long, storied list of
names that have played at "Linebacker U." Fortt is coming off a great off-season, which included a very
strong spring practice season. One of seven true freshmen to play last season, Fortt saw time in 10
games on defense and special teams. The Connecticut product has the potential to become a standout
linebacker over the next three seasons. The instinctive and athletic Fortt made excellent progress in his
first full season in Happy Valley. He boasts excellent size, speed, intensity and toughness and loves to
hit. With continued experience and improvement, Fortt should challenge for a significant role on the
linebacker corps in 2011. Injuries to several members of the linebacker rotation allowed Fortt to make
his first career start against Illinois as a true freshman. He made the most of his opportunity by tallying
a season-high 11 tackles. A former U.S. Army All-American at Stamford HS, he should be among the
primary candidates vying for a starting job at outside linebacker. Fortt became friends with Nittany Lion
classmate and fellow Constitution State standout Silas Redd after they attended Penn State's summer
football camp. Fortt and Redd are the returning Nittany Lions from Connecticut.
2010 Freshman Season
Fortt was one of seven true freshmen to play in 2010, seeing action in 10 games on defense and special
teams. Fortt made 17 tackles, including one for loss, recording the most hits among true freshmen. He
compiled two stops in his first career game, against Youngstown State, in the season-opener. With
outside linebackers Bani Gbadyu, Gerald Hodges and Michael Mauti sidelined with injuries for the Illinois
game, Fortt made his first career start and responded with a season-high 11 tackles, including one for a
loss. He also posted two unassisted tackles in the win over Indiana at FedEx Field. He saw action on 152
snaps, topped by 63 against Illinois. Fortt was among seven members of the 2010 recruiting class who
enrolled in the University in January 2010.
High School
Fortt was a second-team USA Today All-American for Coach Kevin Jones at Stamford HS. A team
captain, he was selected to play in the 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl and earned first-team all-
state accolades. He was among only 30 players in the nation named to the U.S. Army Player-of-the-Year
Award watch list. Rivals.com rated Fortt the nation's No. 5 prep outside linebacker and Scout.com
ranked him No. 11 in the nation. Rivals also rated Fortt the No. 2 prep player in Connecticut for 2009.
During his junior season, he recorded 118 tackles, forced five fumbles and grabbed four interceptions.
Fortt was slowed by an injury during his senior season. He made 63 hits (41 solo), with 2.5 sacks and an
interception, which he returned 46 yards for a touchdown. He was selected second-team all-conference.
Fortt also played lacrosse and ran track.
Personal
Full name is Khairi Savid Fortt. He is the son of Guy and Dr. Tabitha Fortt. He has an older brother,
Ja'Far, one younger brother, Omar, and one sister, Anisa. His mother played basketball at Fairfield
University and his father played football at Central Connecticut State University. In his spare time, Fortt
enjoys photography and swimming. He is enrolled in the College of Health and Human Development and
plans on pursuing a career as a sports physician. Born March 24, 1992 in Washington, D.C. |
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