RE: Schiele article in the Daily Press
By Marty O'Brien, mobrien@dailypress.com
1:43 am, October 11, 2013
HARRISONBURG — Sure, it was possible to conceive of Dan Schiele on a Football Championship Subdivision roster coming out of Tabb High. At 6-foot-5, he has prototypical quarterback size to go with a good arm, football smarts and a good attitude.
And he was the All-Bay Rivers District quarterback a year ago, although the league was hardly distinguished by quarterback play, Schiele's included. He never had big passing or running numbers out of the Wing-T for Tabb, which did not have a winning season during his three years as starter.
So, with no scholarship offers, Schiele pursued his football dreams at the one Division I school that had shown steady interest in him as a walk-on: James Madison. Instead of taking walk-on status as a slight, Schiele looked at it as an opportunity and he's made the best of it.
A true freshman, Schiele rose surprisingly to No. 2 at the quarterback spot on the Dukes' depth chart in the preseason. He's played in three of six games for the No. 21-ranked Dukes (4-2) and, while he's still pinching himself sometimes to make sure his sudden turn of fortune is real, he also exudes confidence at being a snap away from becoming the Dukes' starter.
Following the Dukes' 40-13 win over Albany on Saturday, Schiele talked about his season.
Q: If I'd have told you a year ago that you'd be the No. 2 quarterback for an FCS power, what would you have said?
A: I'd have said that you were crazy. But it worked out that way and I'm glad I've gotten the opportunity to do it.
Q: Does it feel rags-to-riches in terms of where you were as a college prospect a year ago?
A: It's a change from where I thought I'd be. I figured I'd come in here and redshirt and be the third or fourth guy. They brought in a lot of quarterbacks, so I figured I'd need to work hard and redshirt for the next couple of years.
Q: What did the coaches see in preseason practice that moved you so far up the depth chart?
A: I was being smart with the ball in practice, not turning it over, and I was making good throws in the one-on-ones and seven-on-sevens. I think the coaches were kind of surprised at how poised I was.
The guys kind of had a feeling for me. The only quarterback who was established was (starter) Michael (Birdsong), but (the players) thought I was good enough to play and they played good when I was in.
Q: Technically, where have you improved the most at quarterback since last year?
A: Probably my release. It's a lot quicker. Before, I was winding up with the ball a little bit.
Q: What did it feel like to run out on the field (in the season opener) against Central Connecticut?
A: The fireworks and the fans before the game is a crazy atmosphere, I loved it.
Q: How about taking your first college snap in that game?
A: My first thought was, "Dang, my redshirt's gone." But I'm glad I got the opportunity to do that because I'm learning. The learning curve is insane right now.
Q: If something happens to Birdsong, are you ready to run (JMU's) offense?
A: Definitely. Me and Birdsong are similar. He has a little stronger arm than I do, but we're both smart with the ball.
Q: What do you like about the JMU offense?
A: It's fast. You're throwing the ball a lot. You're making a lot of reads, which I like. Some plays you're picking two plays based on the defense, and I like being in control.
Q: Your quarterbacks coach (Mike O'Cain) helped develop Tyrod Taylor and Logan Thomas while he was at Virginia Tech. What do you like about him?
A: He's a great coach. He's not a real big 'yell in your face' kind of guy. And he's very smart. He can cut up a defense.
We don't watch as much film as I thought we would. But he knows how to pick plays that will set up plays in the second half.
Q: What's your relationship with Birdsong?
A: He's a great guy, a great leader and a great quarterback. We have each other's backs.
Q: The expectation as No. 2 is one day you'll either compete to be No. 1 or become No. 1. Your thoughts?
A: Down the road, I want to be given that opportunity to compete. At worst, I hope to be No. 1 or competing for it by senior year, because Birdsong will be gone.Q: How good can JMU be in the Colonial Athletic Association this year?
A: Very good. We have a very good defense and very good, fast-paced offense when we execute. The problem is we shoot ourselves in the foot. You saw it today with too many penalties.
Q: What's the atmosphere playing out here in front of 25,000 at Bridgeforth Stadium versus (Tabb's home at) Bailey Field?
A: A lot more people and a lot louder, so I've got to be louder on the field. The guys were even telling me, "You've got to be louder."
Q: What are you hearing from your friends back home at Tabb about your success?
A: They're naturally happy and they want to see me. I'll be back home for the Tabb-Bruton game (Oct. 18).
O'Brien can be reached by phone at 757-247-4963.
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Schiele article in the Daily Press
