A Buckeye Legacy--Brian and Grant Schwartz
In the late 1970's, Brian Schwartz made the trek from California to Ohio to play for the greatest college football program in America. Following a very successful four year career at The Ohio State University and a stint in the NFL, Brian returned to his California roots, but the Buckeyes were never far from his heart. As he watched his son Grant grow and excel on the gridiron, Brian passed on to his son the love for all things Buckeye . As young Grant watched the 2002 Michigan game at Ohio Stadium, he realized that he also shared his Father's love for the Scarlet and Gray. Grant's dream came true this year when he received and accepted an athletic scholarship to play football for The Ohio State University. As the days tick down until the start of Grant's career in Columbus, the BP Recruiting Team caught up with the latest Buckeye Legacy for a few thoughts.
1) Brian, can you please give a quick overview of your career and a few highlights?
There are so many highlights to my career at tOSU. I lettered all 4 years while there playing in all but 3 games (had knee surgery in the middle of the 1978 season). Playing against teams like MICHIGAN, Oklahoma, UCLA, and of course USC in what amounted to a National Championship game in the 1980 Rose Bowl would all classify as highlights
2) Grant, how soon do you plan on arriving in Columbus?
I plan on arriving a couple weeks before camp opens so I can get used to the weather and get acclimated.
3) Brian, when you watch Grant play, what does he do on the field that reminds you of yourself?
The way Grant competes reminds me very much of me. He’s also smart and does just about everything well on the field. In other words, he is an all-around player which is what I was.
4) Grant, what advice has your Dad given you that has helped you the most on the field? What about in life?
Above all, have fun! Play every single play, from start to finish of every game. Oh yeah, and don’t look back, they’re coming! In life my dad has taught me that though different people may have different talents, different skils, no man is “better” than another. Look out for the other guy, not just yourself.
5) Brian and Grant, what is your favorite Ohio State tradition?
Brian: So many “traditions” @ tOSU. It’s all one amazing tradition to me. I do love hearing the bell after a victory!
Grant: Gotta be the Michigan game or dotting the I.
6) Brian and Grant, describe Coach Tressel and his approach to recruiting. How is his approach different from other coaches with whom you’ve spoken?
Grant: Coach Tressel is very funny...something many people might be surprised to hear. Not a bunch of “football” conversation really. He’s interested in our family and what my “thoughts” are.
Brian: A quiet confidence and calm. Sense of humor for sure! Just someone you’d want your son or daughter to be associated with. All of the other coaches were great guys as well. Coach Carroll has a lot of energy that’s for sure. Coach Bellotti was very great as was Coach Hawkins.
7) Brian, in your prime, with Grant running in the open field, who would win? Same question for Grant.
Brian: In my prime? Pain! He’d be in trouble. But Grant’s not in HIS prime yet so that remains to be seen. He will be better than I was I think.
Grant: I’d smoke him!
8) Brian, do you plan on being in Columbus for all of Grant’s home games?
Can you say frequent flyer miles?
9) Grant, what was the most impressive part of the Fiesta Bowl for you? Did you already feel as if you were a part of the team?
The way we just dominated the game really for the most part. Our speed is crazy! I did feel that in a way. Oooooh, I wanted to be there on the field in the worst way! I found myself just staring at the game. Knowing that I’ll be there next season is VERY exciting.
10) Brian, we’ve already heard Grant’s ideal career in Columbus, what are your hopes for Grant?
Wow! I think I know what he is capable of, which is great things, but I’m not one to predict specifics. That’s gonna be up to him. I trust he’ll put the work in and we’ll see what comes.
We are all anxious to see those results too, Brian.
In the late 1970's, Brian Schwartz made the trek from California to Ohio to play for the greatest college football program in America. Following a very successful four year career at The Ohio State University and a stint in the NFL, Brian returned to his California roots, but the Buckeyes were never far from his heart. As he watched his son Grant grow and excel on the gridiron, Brian passed on to his son the love for all things Buckeye . As young Grant watched the 2002 Michigan game at Ohio Stadium, he realized that he also shared his Father's love for the Scarlet and Gray. Grant's dream came true this year when he received and accepted an athletic scholarship to play football for The Ohio State University. As the days tick down until the start of Grant's career in Columbus, the BP Recruiting Team caught up with the latest Buckeye Legacy for a few thoughts.
1) Brian, can you please give a quick overview of your career and a few highlights?
There are so many highlights to my career at tOSU. I lettered all 4 years while there playing in all but 3 games (had knee surgery in the middle of the 1978 season). Playing against teams like MICHIGAN, Oklahoma, UCLA, and of course USC in what amounted to a National Championship game in the 1980 Rose Bowl would all classify as highlights
2) Grant, how soon do you plan on arriving in Columbus?
I plan on arriving a couple weeks before camp opens so I can get used to the weather and get acclimated.
3) Brian, when you watch Grant play, what does he do on the field that reminds you of yourself?
The way Grant competes reminds me very much of me. He’s also smart and does just about everything well on the field. In other words, he is an all-around player which is what I was.
4) Grant, what advice has your Dad given you that has helped you the most on the field? What about in life?
Above all, have fun! Play every single play, from start to finish of every game. Oh yeah, and don’t look back, they’re coming! In life my dad has taught me that though different people may have different talents, different skils, no man is “better” than another. Look out for the other guy, not just yourself.
5) Brian and Grant, what is your favorite Ohio State tradition?
Brian: So many “traditions” @ tOSU. It’s all one amazing tradition to me. I do love hearing the bell after a victory!
Grant: Gotta be the Michigan game or dotting the I.
6) Brian and Grant, describe Coach Tressel and his approach to recruiting. How is his approach different from other coaches with whom you’ve spoken?
Grant: Coach Tressel is very funny...something many people might be surprised to hear. Not a bunch of “football” conversation really. He’s interested in our family and what my “thoughts” are.
Brian: A quiet confidence and calm. Sense of humor for sure! Just someone you’d want your son or daughter to be associated with. All of the other coaches were great guys as well. Coach Carroll has a lot of energy that’s for sure. Coach Bellotti was very great as was Coach Hawkins.
7) Brian, in your prime, with Grant running in the open field, who would win? Same question for Grant.
Brian: In my prime? Pain! He’d be in trouble. But Grant’s not in HIS prime yet so that remains to be seen. He will be better than I was I think.
Grant: I’d smoke him!
8) Brian, do you plan on being in Columbus for all of Grant’s home games?
Can you say frequent flyer miles?
9) Grant, what was the most impressive part of the Fiesta Bowl for you? Did you already feel as if you were a part of the team?
The way we just dominated the game really for the most part. Our speed is crazy! I did feel that in a way. Oooooh, I wanted to be there on the field in the worst way! I found myself just staring at the game. Knowing that I’ll be there next season is VERY exciting.
10) Brian, we’ve already heard Grant’s ideal career in Columbus, what are your hopes for Grant?
Wow! I think I know what he is capable of, which is great things, but I’m not one to predict specifics. That’s gonna be up to him. I trust he’ll put the work in and we’ll see what comes.
We are all anxious to see those results too, Brian.
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