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Oct. 15, 2009

by Leni Depoister, Illinois Sports Information

Head coach Ron Zook and the rest of his Fighting Illini staff are always stressing the importance of family bonding among teammates. Within that team family, many other family bonds are formed among the offense, defense and special teams. And even further bonds are created in the positions, such as with the receivers and quarterbacks, the linebackers, or the offensive and defensive linemen.

Maybe the best bonds of all are those of the offensive linemen, those guys that go unnoticed unless the quarterback gets sacked, or the running back is tackled for a loss of yardage. They're also the first guys to celebrate when the team scores a touchdown.

"As an offensive line, those five have to work together," Offensive Line Coach Joe Gilbert said. "Because if they don't, we won't have any success."

For the last two-plus seasons, senior offensive lineman Jon Asamoah has been part of the Fighting Illini attack. He had an integral role in helping lead the Illini to the top of the Big Ten in rushing in 2007 and in passing in 2008. He hasn't been the only one pushing for success; he understands the importance of teamwork of the offensive line.

"On the offensive line, there's no selfishness," Asamoah said. "We are all one unit, and when one of us messes up, we all mess up. When we score a touchdown, it was because we worked together."

Being brought up in a close-knit family, Asamoah fits in well with the values and the family tradition that are instilled in Illinois football.

"There is no question that Jon's one of those guys that helps keep that unity and family-type atmosphere together," Gilbert said.

Asamoah isn't like many of his teammates. He was coaxed into playing football his sophomore year of high school by his basketball coach.

"Basketball was always my sport, but my coach told me he'd cut me from the basketball team if I didn't play football," Asamoah said.

While some athletes are born with abilities passed down from their relatives, this wasn't the case for Asamoah.

"I don't think there are many people with an athletic bone in their body in my family," Asamoah said.

But that doesn't mean they aren't supporting him.

Senior OL Jon Asamoah

"Before the Ohio State game, my aunt from Sweden called to wish me good luck," Asamoah said. "I don't even think she knows what football is, but she is excited for me."

Just seven years later, he's vaulted from just a two-star recruit out of Rich East High School to an NFL prospect.

"I've always dreamed of playing in the Big Ten, and being close to home just makes it easier for my friends and family to watch me play," Asamoah said. "Being part of this big family that goes out and fights alongside each other each weekend is what I enjoy most, though. There's nothing like that competitive feeling when you're out there just fighting as a team."

The bonding of teammates goes deeper than just playing on the field. Many of them live together, take the same classes and help each other academically.

Jon Asamoah received the Chancellor's Award for Academic Excellence this past spring.

"We're like a big, goofy family," Asamoah said. "We're just always together in what we do."

Not only is Asamoah a standout leader on the football field, he also excels in the classroom.

"Jon works extremely hard in the classroom and carries that onto the field," Gilbert said.

"I try to stay focused in school, and get the best grades I can by working as hard as I can," Asamoah said.

Asamoah is currently majoring in community health and plans to attend graduate school--unless he gets drafted, that is.

"I just want to see what comes along," Asamoah said. "Having a chance to get drafted is still unreal. I try not to think about it. If I don't get drafted, I'd like to go back and get a master's (degree) in education and get into coaching."

Whether you come from a family of three, or a family of seven, you're part of the big family if you are a part of Illinois football.

"It's a great support system, both at home and here at Illinois," Asamoah said. "You know that somebody here always has your back when things get tough, you've always got somebody there with you."