35 Days Until the College Football Season Kicks Off

Lets get after it.

Yesterday we looked at one of the best college linebackers of the 80’s and I intended on staying on the theme of linebackers but, we’re taking a detour. Instead of Zach Thomas, we’re highlighting a great fullback from a wildly underrated offensive unit.

Owen Schmitt was born in Gilman, Wisconsin and attended Paul VI Catholic High School before transferring to Fairfax High School in Fairfax, Virginia. After graduating, he attended division three Wisconsin–River Falls.

While in River Falls, he posted over a thousand scrimmage yards and five touchdowns earning him all WIAC honors through nine games. He would go onto transfer to West Virginia in the spring.

The following fall, Schmitt earned a starting spot for the Mountaineers. He was part of an unreal three headed backfield that included himself, Pat White, and Steve Slaton. That season, Schmitt rushed for three hundred and eighty yards and two touchdowns.

In 2006, his junior season, Schmitt returned to the backfield along with White and Slaton as the trio led the Mountaineers to an eleven and two record. Schmitt rushed for three hundred and fifty one yards, seven touchdowns, and caught a touchdown.

2007 was the real breakout year for Schmitt as there was tons of hype around the Wisconsin native. He alternated between tight end and fullback as he caught twelve passes for one hundred and twenty one yards and one touchdown. He also rushed for two hundred and seventy two yards and four touchdowns.

His most famous run was against Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl as he broke a fifty seven yard touchdown run down the sideline in the Mountaineers 48 to 28 win over the Sooners. He was named the Ira Errett Rodgers award recipient and the 2007 Captains award.

Schmitt was drafted in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Seahawks. He played in the NFL from 2008 to 2012 with the Seahawks, Eagles, and Raiders.

Tomorrow for day 34, we’ll look at a great half back that made his name known in Austin, Texas.