Will of his WayDiscipline is a big part of UCLA guard Eyoseph Efseaff's game ... and his life.By Marek Warszawski -- The Fresno Bee -- Sunday, December 28, 2003Eyoseph Efseaff didn't wait long to make a lasting impression at UCLA. Midway through his first practice, Efseaff and nose tackle Ken Kocher, described as the team bully, got into a skirmish during a pass protection drill. While teammates and coaches watched in astonishment, Efseaff flipped Kocher to the ground and pinned him down. "He kind of marked his territory as a true freshman," Bruins offensive line coach Mark Weber recalled. "We knew from then on Eyo was going to be a factor on this team." Added Efseaff, "From then on, everyone looked at me differently. It was, 'Look out. Here comes big Eyo.' " Two and a half years later, the 6-foot-3, 288-pound junior still turns heads in Westwood. Efseaff (pronounced YO-seff IF-say-iff) has started 35 of 36 career games at UCLA, including 24 in a row at left guard. Once a prime Fresno State recruiting target, Efseaff is now among the Bulldogs' primary concerns heading into Tuesday's Silicon Valley Football Classic in San Jose. The 7:30 p.m. contest will be televised on ESPN2. "This is basically a home game for me," said Efseaff, a self-described country bumpkin who grew up on a farm outside Porterville. "I have tons of people coming, and one of my real good friends plays defense on the other team." That would be Bulldogs strong safety James Sanders, a former teammate of Efseaff's for one season at Monache High. "The whole town's talking," Efseaff said. "It's Eyoseph vs. James, and everyone's taking a side. Everyone is pumped up. It's going to be wild and crazy. I'm really looking forward to it." A second-team All-Pac-10 pick last season, Efseaff slipped to honorable mention this season as UCLA failed to establish a consistent ground game and surrendered a league-worst 49 sacks. Weber said Efseaff hardly is to blame. "No question he's our best o-lineman," Weber said. "He is a very tough, disciplined kid who is passionate about the game of football. You can tell by the way he plays." Discipline is a trait that comes second nature to Efseaff, who adheres to a strict Kosher diet in accordance with his religious beliefs. Efseaff's family is Russian Molokan, a group of Christian dissidents who broke away from the Russian Orthodox Church in the 17th century. Russian Molokans follow the Bible literally, including its dietary laws. "I've been doing it my whole life, so it's such second nature that I don't think about it," Efseaff said. "I've got to eat kosher food. The thought of going to McDonald's or Burger King never crosses my mind." Efseaff shops at a kosher market and prepares most of his meals at home. On road trips, school officials order special meals for the gregarious guard. "When everyone is eating chicken and potatoes at the training table, I'm eating the same thing," Efseaff said. "It's just prepared differently." Despite his talent, Efseaff has no plans to go on to the NFL. He can't. The NFL plays its games on Sundays, treated by Russian Molokans as a sacred Sabbath. "I can't work on Sundays," Efseaff said. "If someone wants to try and convince my dad [Esi], go right ahead. He's the preacher at our church. Good luck." Just because he can't play professionally doesn't mean Efseaff will be done with football after his college career ends next season. Efseaff wants to teach and coach, starting at the high school level. But first, there's a bowl game to play. Against Fresno State, his hometown team and the school that recruited him since his sophomore year of high school. "I'm glad just to get the opportunity I'm getting now," Efseaff said. "Six years ago, I never thought I'd be in the position I'm in now. I'm tickled pink." The reporter can be reached at marekw@fresnobee.com or 441-6218. Read 7 earlier articles about the non-Jewish but kosher football star. |