CHAMORU TIGHT END SCORES FOR BRUINS

By Patrick Lujan

Meet Noah Fox-Flores, yet another CHamoru doing big things in the sports world stateside.

A true freshman out of Graham, Washington, Fox-Flores caught his first collegiate pass (which happened to be a 4-yard touchdown reception) for the UCLA Bruins Saturday against the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels at Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders.

At 6-foot-4, 245 lbs., Fox-Flores has the natural build for the tight end position. The national recruiting report had the following coming out of Graham-Kapowsin High School:

Flores is one of the top tight ends out West with a really nice ceiling to him…..He’s a plus athlete who can run and jump and has all the physical tools you want to see in a young tight end prospect. He has good hands, runs well after the catch and is more than just a possession guy, he can make plays down the field. He’s a willing blocker who has some physicality to him and as he fills out, should develop in to an every down tight end who can play in any situation. – National Recruiting Analyst

Born and raised in Graham, Noah and his siblings Kyona and Logan were taught traditional CHamoru traits such as hard work, respect and staying humble from their father Kyle Fejeran Flores, originally from Asan and Dededo.

“I was raised with the CHamoru culture throughout my childhood from my dad Kyle Flores, grandmother Julia Fejeran and my 2nd grandmother Rita Lujan,” said the 18-year-old Noah. “They have always taught me that family comes first and respect everyone and trust in God. I am very proud to be CHamoru and humbly represent the island Guam everyday.”

With his first career college reception under his belt, Fox-Flores looks forward to a bright future despite the Bruins starting the season 0-2. It’ll be a tough road ahead as they have No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Penn State on their schedule.

The sky is the limit, however, for the young and talented tight end with Guam roots and Guam pride.

FAMILIAN FEJERAN

You may know his grand uncle – Larry Fejeran, the long-time basketball referee and part of the historic 1979 South Pacific Games basketball gold medal team.

“I remember when he was a little boy he would always play football with his cousins, uncles, and his dad,” Uncle Larry said. “So I believe he had thoughts of getting somewhere with it. I believe he saw his dad was an athlete which had to inspire him to be an athlete also. With the support of his parents he continued working towards this dream and I’m very surprised and even more proud of where my nephew is today. I truly believe his grandmother would be so proud of him and his accomplishments.”

Despite not having visited Guam yet, Noah and family has definitely embodied the CHamoru culture and spirit.

“What I really love about him and his sister (Kyona) is their respect for people. Something his great grandmother taught me and passed on to our kids and grandchildren,” Uncle Larry added.

The Fejeran athletic clan includes grand uncle Kin Fejeran, who stood 6-foot-1 and was part of the 1975 Guam SPG basketball team and also played tight end for the 1970’s UOG Tritons.

NOTES:

• The Bruins are part of the Big Ten Conference, which actually has 18 football teams.

• He had offers from the following schools:
• Penn State
• Michigan
• Oregon
• Washington
• Louisville
• UCLA
• Cal
• Oregon State
• Hawaii
• Texas A&M
• Tennessee
• Washington State
• Arizona State
• Arizona
• Idaho

• The last CHamoru player known to play in this conference was Zach Banner with the USC Trojans (2013-16). Banner went on the get drafted by the Indianapolis Colts and spent time with the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers before injury cut his NFL career short.