The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
UConn’s Fortt feeling better, ready to ‘ball’
STORRS — Omar Fortt’s summer mornings began with a workout with his brother, former NFL linebacker Khairi Fortt, and a trainer, followed by a jaunt to the train station in Stamford.
By 8 o’clock, he was on his way to New York City for his internship at a real estate investment company.
“I’d work from 10-6. Come home,” Fortt said.
And then he’d do it all over again.
“It makes me want to stay in college,” he joked. “But no, definitely, it was eyeopening. I was part of a good company down there. I loved it.”
Now, Fortt’s back in Storrs, preparing for another go-round with the Huskies as he recovers from surgery to correct a joint disorder in his left knee known as osteochondritis dissecans.
“The knee is feeling better than ever,” Fortt said, appearing in good spirits last week at UConn Football media day. “I gained about 14 pounds this offseason. I think mentally, physically and emotionally I’m prepared and ready for the season.”
The 6-foot senior is now up to 223 pounds — from 186 as a freshman — and has been able to keep most of his speed while adding more power to his personal makeup. That figures bode well for the St. Luke’s-New Canaan product, who has been nothing short of versatile during his time as a Husky.
Fortt, a Stamford native, came in as a cornerback, switched to safety and then transitioned to outside linebacker. He’s appeared in 34 games over three seasons, totaling 186 tackles, including 61⁄2 for loss, 11⁄2 sacks, one interception and three fumble recoveries.
As another season beckons, Fortt is on the move yet again. This time, it’s weak
side linebacker.
“Now I’m 223 — no more little guy, no more outside corner guy,” Fortt said, smiling. “If coach Randy Edsall wants to put me out there I definitely will play it, but I’m embracing the role as a weakside linebacker.”
Fortt has impressed coaches with his work ethic, and although he is still ramping back into form physically, he has displayed good quickness.
“Omar did an outstanding job this past spring,” defensive coordinator Lou Spanos said. “You see his speed. It’s nice to see him mature over the years.”
Fortt is determined to justify the Huskies’ belief in him.
“I expect myself and my team just to come out there and ball,” Fortt said. “That’s all we’ve been waiting for. … We’re prepared.”
Furthermore, echoing Edsall’s comments, Fortt believes the Huskies are finally ready to win. He’s tired of the losing, tired of constantly being counted out.
UConn’s defense was a mess in 2019, ranking near the bottom of the country in most statistical categories. They allowed an average of 40.5 points and 467.3 yards per game as the Huskies went 2-10. UConn didn’t compete last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fortt offered an analogy to summarize the defense’s growth: “I feel like we’re a well-tuned car. We were under construction last year. Obviously we opted out of the whole year, but that’s what we needed. We’ve been working silently, but we’re definitely going to be deadly.”
The first opportunity to prove it isn’t far off. UConn opens the season — and its new life as an independent — Aug. 28 at Fresno State. The home opener is Sept. 4 against Holy Cross.
“Everyone’s come together. Everyone’s buying into the program,” Fortt said. “That’s all we can ask for.”