Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2010 13:35:42 GMT -5
By NATE SCHNEIDER
Sun Sports Writer
One look at Andrew Schaar in pads and he doesn't strike you as the most intimidating football player.
Listed at 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, the Alma College senior wideout is one of the smaller receivers listed on the roster and even he has to smile when his height is compared to 6-6 teammate and fellow wide receiver Barak Henderson.
But since when has size been a sole factor?
Schaar has made a habit of torching opposing defenses during his four years with the Scots, earning him praise as one of the top receiving threats in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
"I don't really rely much on my size, more with my speed and strength," Schaar said. "I suppose it's a good thing to be able to come out and surprise people who might not expect much of me."
At this point, defenses know exactly what to expect as Schaar has lit up the MIAA to the tune of two straight all-conference first-team honors. He caught 66 passes for 868 yards and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2008, then followed it up with 64 catches for 895 yards and six TDs a year ago.
Things are currently a little tougher for Schaar this season for a variety of reasons, including the breaking in of a freshman quarterback as well as defenses that are well-versed in what the dynamic wide receiver can do.
"He is an explosive player who does a lot for us in a variety of areas and we need to find a way to get him the ball," said Alma College coach Jim Cole.
Still, Schaar has caught 25 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns in 2010. He has also taken some shotgun snaps out of the Wildcat formation, running for 65 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.
"We have had a tough season so far, a couple of down weeks that didn't go our way," said Schaar.
"But we plan on coming out hard this week for homecoming and hopefully we'll come out with a win."
The Scots are looking to rebound Saturday against Albion College after a 38-0 defeat last week at Hope College. A big part of improving the offensive attack will be in getting the ball in the hands of Schaar any way possible.
That could include more of the Wildcat with Schaar lined up in the quarterback position, which has proven to be an effective look at various times.
"It is fun and interesting whenever we do that. It keeps defenses guessing," Schaar said.
While Schaar was tight-lipped as to whether he might even throw out of the formation, he did leave open the possibility.
"There could be (a passing play) out of that, I guess we'll have to wait and see," Schaar said with a smile.
Schaar, out of DeWitt High School, chose to attend Alma College four years ago with his older brother Austin (a 2008 graduate) already on the Scots' roster as a defensive back.
That factor, plus a couple of others, were among his reasons for deciding to enroll at Alma College and it is a decision he has not regretted.
"I'm very happy I chose Alma College," said Schaar. "I had stood on the sidelines at a couple of the games when I was still in high school and I liked what I saw. It is a great school and as far as football goes, the atmosphere is very laid back and it is exactly what I wanted."
Alma College kicks off against Albion College Saturday at Bahlke Field at 1 p.m.
http://www.themorningsun...rts/srv0000009602916.txt
Sun Sports Writer
One look at Andrew Schaar in pads and he doesn't strike you as the most intimidating football player.
Listed at 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, the Alma College senior wideout is one of the smaller receivers listed on the roster and even he has to smile when his height is compared to 6-6 teammate and fellow wide receiver Barak Henderson.
But since when has size been a sole factor?
Schaar has made a habit of torching opposing defenses during his four years with the Scots, earning him praise as one of the top receiving threats in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
"I don't really rely much on my size, more with my speed and strength," Schaar said. "I suppose it's a good thing to be able to come out and surprise people who might not expect much of me."
At this point, defenses know exactly what to expect as Schaar has lit up the MIAA to the tune of two straight all-conference first-team honors. He caught 66 passes for 868 yards and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2008, then followed it up with 64 catches for 895 yards and six TDs a year ago.
Things are currently a little tougher for Schaar this season for a variety of reasons, including the breaking in of a freshman quarterback as well as defenses that are well-versed in what the dynamic wide receiver can do.
"He is an explosive player who does a lot for us in a variety of areas and we need to find a way to get him the ball," said Alma College coach Jim Cole.
Still, Schaar has caught 25 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns in 2010. He has also taken some shotgun snaps out of the Wildcat formation, running for 65 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.
"We have had a tough season so far, a couple of down weeks that didn't go our way," said Schaar.
"But we plan on coming out hard this week for homecoming and hopefully we'll come out with a win."
The Scots are looking to rebound Saturday against Albion College after a 38-0 defeat last week at Hope College. A big part of improving the offensive attack will be in getting the ball in the hands of Schaar any way possible.
That could include more of the Wildcat with Schaar lined up in the quarterback position, which has proven to be an effective look at various times.
"It is fun and interesting whenever we do that. It keeps defenses guessing," Schaar said.
While Schaar was tight-lipped as to whether he might even throw out of the formation, he did leave open the possibility.
"There could be (a passing play) out of that, I guess we'll have to wait and see," Schaar said with a smile.
Schaar, out of DeWitt High School, chose to attend Alma College four years ago with his older brother Austin (a 2008 graduate) already on the Scots' roster as a defensive back.
That factor, plus a couple of others, were among his reasons for deciding to enroll at Alma College and it is a decision he has not regretted.
"I'm very happy I chose Alma College," said Schaar. "I had stood on the sidelines at a couple of the games when I was still in high school and I liked what I saw. It is a great school and as far as football goes, the atmosphere is very laid back and it is exactly what I wanted."
Alma College kicks off against Albion College Saturday at Bahlke Field at 1 p.m.
http://www.themorningsun...rts/srv0000009602916.txt