A few days before Oregon’s 51-13 blowout of Arizona in the 2014 Pac-12 championship game, UO special teams coach Tom Osborne marveled at the perceived obliviousness of his walk-on kicker, Aidan Schneider.
"He doesn't say two words and does whatever you ask him to do," Osborne said. "He's one of those kids that just does whatever you ask of them. It's like he's still shocked to be here."
In the game, Aidan accounted for 15 points on his own — three field goals and six extra points — and this week I wanted to test Osborne’s theory. I’ve asked the I-5 Corridor podcast co-host to write a mailbag this week. I just hope he has more than two words in response.
Submit your questions for Aidan about this year’s Pac-12 championship game, this season and, well, anything you want. He’ll answer later this week.
I asked this a few weeks ago and you may have already answered it, if so I missed it:
After the UO basketball team got blown out by BYU, coach Altman said that his team wasn't prepared and it was his fault. I hear that a lot in college football, where the coach falls on the "not prepared" sword. That they've got to do a better job. Is that the same message that they're relaying to the team behind closed doors in the locker room, or do they tear into you for screwing up?
Is it time to start asking some serious questions about DeRuyter’s defense or does he just need more time? Seeing Kayvon in pass coverage is frustrating, and teams have been able to effectively gameplan around him for large chunks of games. Yes there are a lot of injuries, but the defense has performed well below expectations this season.
Yo, Aidan. Friends and some sportswriters say Oregon might just turn the tables on Utah on Friday. My question: In your experience, how could a team drubbed as badly as the Ducks were two weeks ago make up four (or was it five) touchdowns? Take away a seven to ten points for home field. Subtract the fluke punt return TD allowed by a very average Oregon special teams squad. Ducks still lose by 10 to 15. Eh?
I asked this a few weeks ago and you may have already answered it, if so I missed it:
After the UO basketball team got blown out by BYU, coach Altman said that his team wasn't prepared and it was his fault. I hear that a lot in college football, where the coach falls on the "not prepared" sword. That they've got to do a better job. Is that the same message that they're relaying to the team behind closed doors in the locker room, or do they tear into you for screwing up?
Great question, would like to hear this as well.
Is it time to start asking some serious questions about DeRuyter’s defense or does he just need more time? Seeing Kayvon in pass coverage is frustrating, and teams have been able to effectively gameplan around him for large chunks of games. Yes there are a lot of injuries, but the defense has performed well below expectations this season.
What is your suggestion for a new name for the Civil War? How about the Oregon Trail Bowl??
How do explain the difference between Camden Lewis this year vs. last?
I've always wanted to know.....
Were you close with a bunch of other players or are the kickers, holders, long snappers isolated from the rest of the team ?
Is your strength and conditioning program individually tailored to you as a kicker? How specific is it for strength versus injury prevention?
What determines whether or not a kicker gets an NFL tryout?
Did you have interest in kicking professionally?
What was your best bowl game memory as a player?
Can you describe a "kick off" competition where coaches determine the starting kicker?
Any funny stories on having to make a tackle on a return?
Thanks!
Yo, Aidan. Friends and some sportswriters say Oregon might just turn the tables on Utah on Friday. My question: In your experience, how could a team drubbed as badly as the Ducks were two weeks ago make up four (or was it five) touchdowns? Take away a seven to ten points for home field. Subtract the fluke punt return TD allowed by a very average Oregon special teams squad. Ducks still lose by 10 to 15. Eh?