Here’s a Q&A with Saint Louis football/basketball player Fred Ulu-Perry. I asked about workouts and dedication. He answered everything, and I realized at some point that Fred is all about excellence, but he’s also about consistency.
Watching him on the football field is one thing. He’s an All-State first-team offensive lineman. But on the basketball court, his agility, power and balance are really something unique for an athlete 6-2 and close to 300 pounds.
Hawaii Prep World: The PIAA/Under Armour Combine was huge again, but some big names weren’t there. In your case, you did some of the drills, but not all.
Fred: For me, I did not want to participate in the running especially in the 40-yard dash because I got hurt the last time I ran it and it’s too close to risk anything when season is right around the corner.
(Note: Fred bench pressed 225 pounds 25 times at Saturday’s combine to lead all participants.)
HPW: It seems like you and some of the top recruits have been going back and forth to the mainland. A lot!
Fred: During this summer I will be going to California to compete in the UCLA and USC camp and get to tour their campus hopefully. And then in the beginning of July I will compete in the Nike Open in Oregon.
HPW: A lot of guys, well, pretty much everyone who gets recruited heavily say it gets tiring.
Fred: It is very fun being recruited because there is a lot of texts and phone calls, but it’s very enjoyable and I’m just soaking it all in and doing my research on the schools.
HPW: I know you enjoy working out six, seven days a week. But you’re not a machine, right? What do you do to relax?
Fred: My relaxing is mostly on Saturdays because I train everyday, but Saturdays with my crew down at 24 Hour Fitness, Bishop Street. Me and my crew always lift everyday but Saturdays and we work out to be explosive,to condition our muscles and build mass! Now that season is here it’s more maintains and reps! It’s really all in the mind though and keeping your mind game strong and believing in The Lord and Yourself! We want to be the strongest all around not only stronger in specific areas but all around lifters! But we could not do any of this without God and support from family and friends !
HPW: Right on. Thanks Fred. What’s your optimum weight / lifting standards? I mean, is there a perfect weight you want to be at? And is there a bench press/squat/etc number you try to strive for or maintain? Thanks again.
Fred: I want to stay at 295-300 but during season I usually drop to 280 so I’m trying to maintain 300. My max bench is 370 but I know I can get that up.
HPW: And since you mentioned building mass, I wonder about your whole thought on food and supplements, etc. Do you eat pretty much anything or be real careful?
Fred: I just drink my protein three times a day when I have my protein and try to stay away from rice, junk food.
HPW: Wow, no rice? Which protein shake do you recommend for high school/youth players?
Fred: Yes, no rice. It’s actually easy for me. Whey or Muscle milk is good. I go with Whey protein.
HPW: Cool. Good to pass on real solid info from a true player to the kids. So that’s the lineman’s regimen and diet: Protein and more protein.
Fred: I just love eating chicken, steak, ribs or whatever is cooked at home.
I want Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas to come and grab Fred Ulu-Perry just as they have done with other top St Louis players. Just as St Louis raided so many other Hawaii high schools for top football talent.