An Interview With Kitt O'Brien

OTP is fortunate to continue our interview series with new recruits for the Cardinal and White with today's guest... Kitt O'Brien. Kitt comes to Muncie after a ridiculously successful career at Lewis-Cass high school in Walton, IN. The 6-6 300lb. guard was totally dominant in his high school career, and for someone his size, is remarkably quick and agile.

As most BSU fans will tell you, the offensive line over the next season or two will be the linchpin for continuing the success of the last several years. A dominant line that replaces the starters lost with players capable of opening holes for MiQuale Lewis and protecting Kelly Page will be almost a necessity for the Cardinals to continue Bowling, and competing for the MAC. Kitt O'Brien certainly plans to figure into that equation...

From OTP...

OverThePylon:Can you sort of recap your experience getting recruited to play Division 1 college football and which BSU coaches were your chief recruiters? What were some of the schools that showed major interest? What were the schools you considered heading to?
KittO'Brien: The recruiting process for me was like a roller coaster ride, with the majority of Ball States coaches leaving. as for other schools I was considering Purdue, and Miami(OH). Coach Faulkner was my main recruiting coach and Coach Parrish was the one who actually offered me my scholarship.

OTP: As a former guard, and a massive one at that, do you anticipate moving to any other positions or being able to fill in any other holes in the o line?
KO: Right now I am going to play wherever I can get to the field fastest. At this point that is looking like the right guard position, but in future years I would love to move out to tackle.

OTP: The offseason has been a transitional period for BSU, with a coaching change, a ton of talent leaving, etc. How did that sit with you as a future Cardinal? Any worries or thoughts about not coming?
KO: There was a point after Coach Hoke Left when I got worried, but the only time I had a second thought about coming was when Coach Funk left. He was a big reason for my scholarship offer and when he left I had some second thoughts, but I was confident Coach Parrish would make a good hire to fill the position.

OTP: This incoming recruiting class has been widely heralded as the best class in years at BSU. Have you had any contact with other incoming recruits? Is the class going to gel?
KO: I moved into a house at Ball State the day after I graduated and I have gotten to know everybody really well. All of us freshman are figuring out exactly what is expected of us and we are all working really hard.

OTP: The offensive line positions are some of the most important in football. What are your favorite things about playing such a vital role?
KO: Just the fact that the offense runs through me. If one of us messes up it can cause the whole offense to fail. Having that much pressure on you to succeed makes me love my position that much more.

OTP: What things are you considering majoring in at Ball State? Looking forward to the academic side of the house?
KO: I'm keeping my options open, but I am really considering Business or Natural Resource Management.

OTP: Most of our readers know quite a bit about your football prowess on the field. Any hobbies or talents off the field that would surprise some folks?
KO: I used to raise sheep and show them at the county fair. Most people are shocked to hear that when I tell them. I also was a Basketball player in high school.

From our readers...

Readers: What does he anticipate his biggest challenge will be stepping up to D1 from a smaller school? Speed? Level of talent?
KO: In high school my team would throw the ball about 14 times a game. So learning the pass blocking technique isn't going to be the biggest challenge but it will be the most important thing for me to learn. And of course the speed is going to take some getting used to.

Readers: What sort of weight has the coaching staff asked you to gain? How do you plan on doing that?
KO: I weigh 312 right now and that is where the coaching staff is wanting me to stay. I plan on maintaining my weight through our training program.

Readers: Are you training on campus right now? If not, when will you be training?
KO: Yes. I have been training here since June 1st.

Finally, one last one from OTP...

OTP: Anything to say to the Cardinals fans who will have the privilege of watching you over the next few years, Kitt?
KO: I plan on living up to high expectations, and hopefully starting all four years.

Big thanks to Kitt for taking the time out of his schedule, training, and field work to answer some questions from us and the readership. Like those that came before him, and hopefully those that come after, Kitt is further proving that regardless of on-field results, this program is stocked full of high character young men that we, as fans, should all be proud of. Good luck, big fella!