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The fans have spoken: You can't get enough of Owen Schmitt, the Mohawk-wearing, coaster-eating fullback the Seahawks selected in the fifth round of the NFL draft last weekend.
I'm here to oblige on this drizzle-drenched Saturday, when the players just finished their morning practice and are getting something to eat and attending meetings before the afternoon session.
While it was tough to get a real handle on what Schmitt was doing – and how well he was doing it – in the Friday practices, he played into the apparent need for more things Schmitt this morning.
During a run drill, his kick-out block on safety C.J. Wallace allowed rookie running back Justin Forsett to cut behind it and get into the secondary. On the very next play, the handoff when to Schmitt, and rookie linebacker David Hawthorne went to turf after bouncing off the 247-pound fullback as he powered through the line.
That, in two quick snaps, is what Schmitt brings – tenacious blocking, a tough-guy attitude and some power. At least on offense. We'll all have to wait until the preseason games this summer to see what kind of impact he can have on special teams.
He's already a fan favorite, and quickly moving toward cult status judging by the emails I've received and the comments on blogs and fan chat rooms. I've already heard from readers that can't wait to get their "O. Schmitt" jerseys. And the marketing folks at the Seahawks will have to come up with "Schmitt Happens" T-shirts, won't they?
Word that there was this kind of buzz out there caught Schmitt by surprise.
"I haven't really done anything yet, so I don't know that I should be gaining cult status," he said. "I really don't know what to say to that."
But then Schmitt's actions always have been the element that attracted his following at West Virginia and Fairfax (Va.) High School.
"It's probably the way I play – just a hard-working guy," he said. "People can relate to that."
And then some.
Posted by Hawk Jen at 5/3/08 5:19 p.m.
Thanks, Clare!
I look forward to your blogs and articles every week. I love hearing about how the new guys are doing!
Jen
Posted by Big Island Loop at 5/5/08 12:37 p.m.
Aloha from Hawaii Clare,
I know Weaver had a better year last year and improved his blocking but I still don't think he feels he is a fullback. Do you think there is any chance Schmitt could start if he is able to grasp the system in time?
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Posted by Miyagi-Hawk at 5/3/08 1:54 p.m.
Just wait until the ESPN highlights when Chris Berman describes a linebacker getting "Schmitt-faced."