Spring Break
The Daily OrangeAbout Schmidt: Virginia's Brennan Schmidt kept his faith and it's paying off for the lineman
By Dave Murphy
Posted: 9/14/05, 11:14 PM EST Section: Sports
"If I was playing lacrosse, I would play like Nathan Kenney," Schmidt said. "If Nathan Kenney was playing football, he would play like me."
The friends pride themselves on their work ethic and devotion to their respective sports, and Schmidt believes that is the main reason for their great friendship. Schmidt doubts Kenney will be rooting for the Cavaliers on Saturday now that he goes to Syracuse, but Kenney promised to wear his Brennan Schmidt No. 96 jersey to the game.
Unlike his first game against Colorado State, though, anxiety will be the last thing on Schmidt's mind when he steps onto the FieldTurf at the Carrier Dome. His devotion to the game, his family, his friends and his religion give him the strength he needs to persevere. His leadership and drive to succeed give the Cavaliers the inspiration to play their hardest and his service and compassion for others gives the less fortunate strength to live.
"My Dad taught (me and my brothers) to hustle and to work hard," Schmidt said. "I try to go out there and have no regrets. I give it all I have and play for all God has given me."
Schmidt has given back, but he's also had to overcome. After not getting a recruiting call until late in his senior year, he's proven himself to be a solid defensive end and one of the best leaders in Virginia football history. More importantly, he's proven the validity and importance of his father's advice:
"Never quit. Whenever you think you're done, do more."
The friends pride themselves on their work ethic and devotion to their respective sports, and Schmidt believes that is the main reason for their great friendship. Schmidt doubts Kenney will be rooting for the Cavaliers on Saturday now that he goes to Syracuse, but Kenney promised to wear his Brennan Schmidt No. 96 jersey to the game.
Unlike his first game against Colorado State, though, anxiety will be the last thing on Schmidt's mind when he steps onto the FieldTurf at the Carrier Dome. His devotion to the game, his family, his friends and his religion give him the strength he needs to persevere. His leadership and drive to succeed give the Cavaliers the inspiration to play their hardest and his service and compassion for others gives the less fortunate strength to live.
"My Dad taught (me and my brothers) to hustle and to work hard," Schmidt said. "I try to go out there and have no regrets. I give it all I have and play for all God has given me."
Schmidt has given back, but he's also had to overcome. After not getting a recruiting call until late in his senior year, he's proven himself to be a solid defensive end and one of the best leaders in Virginia football history. More importantly, he's proven the validity and importance of his father's advice:
"Never quit. Whenever you think you're done, do more."
