He grew up on the East Coast as a native of Old Tappan, New Jersey, but new Rams safety Jordan Fuller is already well acquainted with the West Coast and the city of Los Angeles.
"I'm so excited to be an L.A. Ram," Fuller said. "My brother (Devin) went to UCLA, got family out there, so really excited to be out there. It's kind of like a second home to me."
His uncle – the comedian Sinbad – his aunt and cousins reside in Chatsworth and won't have to travel very far to see him play. While in school, he would visit during the spring and summer.
"Usually, whenever I had a break, I would go to my Jersey home, then spend half and half in Jersey and L.A.," Fuller said. "Very accustomed to that area and can't wait to get out there."
Fuller also played in the 2019 Rose Bowl game during his time at Ohio State, a 28-23 win for the Buckeyes over the Washington Huskies.
Ohio State missed the College Football Playoffs that year, and it was also going to be former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer's final game. Given those circumstances, it was an important one for a lot of the players because they wanted to send Meyer and the seniors off on the right note, according to Fuller.
"Just a lot of anticipation and build up for that game, was so happy we were able to pull that win out for Coach Meyer, the seniors and to do it in front of my family that's from L.A., that was really cool too," Fuller said. "Really just a special moment for everybody."
Fuller led Ohio State's defense with nine total tackles in that game, and he'll be bringing a similar energy and work ethic to the Rams.
"They're getting a guy that's willing to do anything for the team, really," Fuller said. "Whether it's special teams, putting in all the hours that's necessary to go win games. That's my main priority just as a football player, and as a person. They're getting a leader and just a guy that wants to win, really and will do whatever it takes to do that."
Welcome to LA, Jordan Fuller! Meet the safety from Ohio State.
Ohio State safety Jordan Fuller (4) during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game against Clemson, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri).
Ohio St. safety Jordan Fuller poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Ohio State defensive back Jordan Fuller, left, breaks up a pass intended for Penn State tight end Pat Freiermuth during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio St. safety Jordan Fuller poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Rutgers quarterback Kyle Bolin (9) runs with the ball as Ohio State safety Jordan Fuller (4) moves in for a tackle during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Ohio St. safety Jordan Fuller poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Ohio State safety Jordan Fuller stands on the field before an NCAA college football game against Ohio State in College Park, Md., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Ohio State defensive back Jordan Fuller runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Nebraska running back Dedrick Mills (26) is stopped by Ohio State safety Jordan Fuller (4) and cornerback Sevyn Banks (12) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. Ohio State won 48-7. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Ohio State defensive back Jordan Fuller participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Washington wide receiver Aaron Fuller is tackled by Ohio State safety Jordan Fuller during the second half of the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Ohio State defensive back Jordan Fuller looks on during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Ohio State safety Jordan Fuller (4) celebrates a tackle on TCU wide receiver KaVontae Turpin (25) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018. Ohio State won 40-28. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Ohio State defensive back Jordan Fuller runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Ohio State safety Jordan Fuller (4) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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Fuller said in college he was asked to play more at the back end of the defense, but he's also comfortable playing near the line of scrimmage. He will use his versatility to play wherever he is asked.
Fuller also understands that's the proper mindset to have – with his fresh start in the NFL, he knows he has to earn his playing time even after being a starting safety at a highly successful college program.
"Yeah, it's just the rookie mentality, just going in there and wanting to learn as much as possible that I can and work as hard as possible," Fuller said. "I know if I do that and just apply myself, I'll look up and be in a good spot at the end of the day."
