Duck Universe - Final Season

Final Season

Written by Sam Finley

Wednesday, 28 November 2007

Geoff Schwartz is considered to be a calming influence on and off the field.

Schwartz's Favorites

Food: Shrimp Pasta

Movie: Shawshank Redemption

TV Show: Family Guy

Actor: Don’t really have one.

Actress: Don’t really have one, either…I rarely see enough movies to have a favorite.

Music: I like everything except country.

Thing to do for fun: Just relax with friends.

Sport other than football: Baseball

Athlete: Jonathan Ogden

O-Duck: Kellen Clemens

I’d like to be stranded on a desert island with…I’m not going to answer that one.

Most inspirational teammate: Josh Tschirgi

Duck Uniform: All Black.

Place to play other than Autzen: Michigan…It was an incredible experience to play in Ann Arbor.

Geoff Schwartz will be making his last blocks at Autzen Stadium this Saturday. The 6’7, 337 right tackle from Los Angeles has accomplished a lot during his time at Oregon…being a key part of an offensive front that has protected quarterbacks such as Kellen Clemens, Dennis Dixon…and yes, at the moment, Cody Kempt.

Whatever issues might suddenly exist at other offensive positions right now, Geoff Schwartz can be considered a reassuring presence on that side of the ball right now. His teammates believe he is one of the most knowledgeable members of the offensive front, and Mike Bellotti says he’s like a head coach on the field.

But he won’t be around on the line next year after these last two games…beginning with the Civil War game against the Beavers. It is a game, that when last played in Eugene, Schwartz considers one of his fondest times as a Duck.

CIVIL WAR MEMORIES

DI: What has been your most memorable moment?

GS: “The 2005 Civil War game that was played in the fog...we won that game really big and that put us in the Holiday Bowl.”

LINE ISSUES

DI: Do you prefer to play right tackle or left tackle?

GS: “I’ll do whatever helps the team. I’ve been playing right tackle for three years now, so I’m pretty comfortable over there. No bones about it, I’m fine with that.”

DI: The injury to Dennis Dixon has certainly changed the performance of this offense…does it also mean that the line has to block differently for Brady Leaf, Justin Roper or Cody Kempt?

GS: “No, there is no difference in how we block for Dennis Dixon or any other quarterback on the team.”

ADJUSTING TO EUGENE

DI: As a Southern California guy, what adjustments have you made since moving to the Northwest?

GS: “I had to get used to the rain (laughs)…it was really tough for me to move to an environment like this. It’s a slower tempo here than in Los Angeles, and as a big city guy, I always like to have something to do. I really miss the beach and the warm weather down there. But as the years have gone by, I have really begun to appreciate and enjoy Eugene for what is, and I’ll be sad when I leave.”

NO MORE RUNS FOR SCHWARTZ

DI: You did pick up 3 yards on that exchange against USC, which is an average of yards per carry more than some running backs…but it sounds like you won’t be asking offensive coordinator Chip Kelly to set you in the backfield as kind of a “Refrigerator” Perry type deal?

GS: “No (laughs)…I’m going to leave the ball carrying to Jonathan Stewart…he’s a big enough refrigerator.”

LIFE AFTER FOOTBALL

DI: What are your plans after you’re done at Oregon?

GS: “I hope to be able to play at the next level…I’ll work hard for that and see what happens. If not, then maybe I’ll go coach or try some other things. I really haven’t decided yet...I’ve got awhile to decide.”

DI: Do you plan on staying in Eugene?

GS: “No, I’m going to get out of here…and I’ll either go back to L.A. or another big city.”

For more of the Geoff Schwartz interview, pick up the latest Ducks Illustrated today!!

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