Austin Schwantz '17 Recruiting Profile

     My Dad has been one of the greatest influences on who I am and how I want others to perceive me.  My dad played professional football and to me, it was always just something that he had done.  As I got older, I really appreciate all that he was able to accomplish.  He always joked that he was drafted in the 13th round of a 12 round draft.  He started his pro career as an undrafted free agent and ended up an All-Pro by the end of his career.  This is an amazing accomplishment and I don't think that I ever really appreciated it.  People always ask me if I'm going to be a football player like my dad.  After realizing what he has done, I don't want to be like him as an athlete but I want to be like him as a person.  I want people to see me as the same person as he is; someone with the same work ethic and integrity because that is what it takes to succeed in whatever you do.
     Growing up, I played travel basketball and travel baseball but never football.  My parents wanted me to wait until I was older, so I didn't start until junior high and I think that was the best decision for me.  It gave me a hunger for it and by the time I finished my freshman year, it was quickly becoming my passion.  I found out in Spring that I would be with varsity during the summer.  I knew that I was going to have to prove myself to the team and the coaches and that I deserved to be there. It forced me to step out of my comfort zone and play with kids 2 and 3 years older than me.  It has been a great experience and given me a confidence I didn't know I had.
     Sports have taught me what it means to really have someone's back, hard work and perseverance.  I am accountable for my actions both on and off the field.  More importantly it has taught me time management.  I play 3 sports made 2 varsity sports as a sophomore. My grades are most important and without good grades, there will not be sports.  I am in a very high level of math, and I know I have to really focus to stay on top of my grades.  It has taught me to how to make all of the pieces of the puzzle fit. Whether it is school, training, friends, or just some down time, I have really found a way to make it all work.  My family is very focused on the importance of grades because you never know when sports will end, and it is important to have a good sound education for a successful future.  I am not sure what I want to do in the future, but I know without a strong foundation, I won't get far.
     The biggest obstacle that I have had to overcome was stepping out of my comfort zone.  I played up in basketball my freshman year and this made me step up my game.  I had to prove that I deserved to be on the team and deserved to play.  I belonged.  It wasn't easy because I had taken an older kid's spot and I had to earn the respect of the older kids through my play.  Nothing was going to be given to me and I had to make the most of the opportunities that I was given.
     One of my greatest strengths is my coachability.  It isn't unique in any athlete, but I am a student of the game.  My dad always told me to listen to a coach and respect what he says.  I may not like what I hear, but if I am listening, he shouldn't have to correct me a second time. When watching film, remember that if you see yourself not hustling, your teammates are seeing the same thing and you are letting them down.  Accept the things you cannot change and focus on those that you can. Take constructive criticism and turn it into a positive result. That is how I face everything that comes my way in life.