Sept. 3, 2007
Washington, D.C. - Georgetown senior offensive lineman Dan Osterhout (Mundelein, Ill./Carmel) started his first career game for the Hoyas in the team's season opener against Stony Brook on Saturday night. The Blue and Gray return home to play Lafayette this week at the Multi-Sport Field. Osterhout took some time to visit with Hoya Headliner this week.
HH: How did you get recruited here?
DO: I remember Georgetown being the first school to call me when I was a junior in high school. I was very excited to get that call the first day it was possible and from then, I took a visit out here the summer going into my senior year. I loved it and I just kept in touch with the coaches and the day I got home from my official visit, I committed.
HH: How was the transition from high school to college for you your freshman year?
DO: It was a big change. I had never been so far away from home before in my life. The speed of the game I remember being a big challenge my first year and then the amount of work in the classroom. I had never had so much before.
HH: So what does your final collegiate year have in store for you?
DO: I would like to come out on top with a Patriot League title. We have set this goal from day one.
HH: Who do you look to for advice when you need it?
DO: My parents. I know they have been in my shoes before and will probably know the right answer for whatever advice I am asking them.
HH: What made you decide to attend Georgetown?
DO: It was two things. I wanted to go to a school that had a great academic background, plus I wanted to be able to play football at the same time.
HH: Do you have any superstitions before games?
DO: I have a lot. I have a whole routine that starts the night before the game but I never tell anyone what that is.
HH: What song gets you pumped up before games?
DO: I actually do not listen to music before games. I like it quiet.
HH: If you could be on any reality show, which one would you choose? Why?
DO: Pros vs. Joes. It would be interesting to see how I match up against all time greats in their sports.
HH: Who is your favorite player of all-time in your particular sport?
DO: All-time is Dan Marino. He was my favorite player growing up and that is who my Mom named me after when I was born.
HH: What would you do if you won a million dollars?
DO: First off, pay off my student loans, because I know those will be lingering with me for a long time and then take my family to Hawaii, since I have never been there before. Then, I'd buy a condominium in Sanibel Island where I vacation every year.
HH: What do you like to do in the off-season?
DO: Usually in the off-season, we have workouts everyday, so it will be interesting to see what I do with so much free time this spring.
HH: What is your favorite quote from your Coach?
DO: Coach (Brad) Dunlay has some pretty memorable quotes, most of them I probably should not repeat, but my favorite is "We Score, They Score," because it sums up the work of the offensive line. If we get our job done and put our man in the end zone, then the running back will score as well.
HH: What is the best/worst thing about living in D.C.?
DO: The best thing by far is the city atmosphere and being able to do something at all times, including my favorite, a midnight run down to the monuments. The worst is the prices. It is so expensive. I get upset when I hear the prices of things in a college town. It's ridiculous.
HH: What is your "breakfast of champions?"
DO: Scrambled eggs and a bagel with cream cheese and a side of fruit, same meal since high school.
HH: If you could get front row tickets to any concert, now or in the past, which would it be?
DO: Garth Brooks. I see old concerts he put on and they looked amazing. They look so much fun and I love his music. I would love to be part of one of his concerts.
HH: What is your favorite holiday?
DO: Christmas, because it is the first time all school year that I am able to see my entire family including aunts, uncles, and cousins.
HH: When did you first start playing football?
DO: Third grade flag football at St. Mary's in Buffalo Grove, Ill.
HH: When did you know that you wanted to play football competitively in college?
DO: I always knew I wanted to. I was always so rough when I was a younger and I was getting too many fouls in soccer, so that left me with football.
HH: Who is your biggest rival?
DO: My biggest rival is Holy Cross.
HH: What was the best moment in your career so far?
DO: In high school, it was winning the state championship. In college, it was the overtime winner at Bucknell in 2005. It was a great atmosphere at night on the road it could not get much better.
HH: What is a typical practice like?
DO: The offensive line starts with 30 minutes of chutes, then we do some offensive team work before being going against the defense for about 10 minutes; then we have some time when the offensive line goes over pass rushing and then have one on ones with the defensive line. We then finish up with some team periods against the defense, which are very competitive.
HH: Who on the team do you rely on the most?
DO: I rely on the other four guys on the offensive line with me. I know that if we all get our job done, then the offense will succeed.
HH: If you could change one thing about football what would it be?
DO: Preseason camp. It is the only thing I dislike about this game. I wish we could scrimmage another team like the NFL does before their first game. Four weeks is a long time of only hitting your own team.
HH: What do you have in your personal equipment bag?
DO: Only two things; my playbook and the media guide for this season.
HH: Do you have any regrets about playing football?
DO: I do not. I have been through the highs and the lows and have learned from both of them.
HH: If you could be great at any other sport or event besides football, what would it be?
DO: It would be baseball. I played it throughout high school and I miss playing it every spring and summer especially when I am umpiring those games.
HH: Anything you want to do before you graduate?
DO: Win the Patriot League
HH: Your most embarrassing moment?
DO: My first play in high school on the varsity team, I turned the wrong way and gave up a sack, the coaches benched me and I did not play the rest of the season.
HH: Who in your life inspires you the most?
DO: My dad because he traveled so much when he was younger and was still able to be a successful person and a great father who always would change his schedule to be able to attend my games.
HH: What do you consider to be your biggest fear?
DO: Closter phobia. I do not like tight spaces. It has been hard for me to get MRI's because of this.
HH: What is your favorite thing to do on the weekends?
DO: Next to games is to either watch a football game or a NASCAR race. If it is the summertime lay in the pool with my family.
HH: What one word people use to describe you?
DO: Two actually; big and lovable
HH: Favorite Georgetown restaurant?
DO: Morton's. You can never go wrong with a good steak.
HH: What is your dream job?
DO: This I do not know, whatever makes my family and me happy.
HH: Favorite TV show?
DO: CSI. I have never missed an episode.
HH: Favorite movie?
DO: Remember the Titans
HH: Least favorite movie?
DO: Legally Blonde, because every time it is on I have to hear every line of it from my mom and my sister.
HH: Freshman dorm?
DO: New South 1st Floor
HH: If you could be anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
DO: Sanibel Island. It is my favorite place to be and that is why I keep going back there for vacation. I would like to enjoy it for longer than a week at a time though.
HH: Any advice for anyone who wants to join football?
DO: There is a lot of work that is done off the field. Most people do not realize this. We meet longer then all the other sports combined I think. The preparation for games is a long process that includes watching film and going over the scouting report, but it is very necessary and time consuming.
HH: What do you plan to do for spring break?
DO: I'm actually going to Sanibel Island with my family to enjoy a peaceful week at the beach.
HH: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
DO: I see myself married with one possibly two children at the time who are going to play football.
HH: Booey's or Wisey's?
DO: Wisey's Burger Madness with jalapeños, cannot be beat.
