Football Profile -- Matt Gartung
September 24, 1998
Corvallis, Ore. - Matt Gartung Question and Answer
*Your father, Mark, lettered on the OSU football team in 1965 and 66, did he have any part in you coming to Oregon State University from the College Of The Sequoias? "He was really pleased when I decided to come to Oregon State, and I guess he did play some of a role in me coming here. When I got a call from Oregon State, I certainly took into consideration that my father played here."
*What other options did you have coming out of junior college? "I made four recruiting trips in all, and Oregon State was my last visit. Oregon State really stood out because of the new coaching staff and I liked the way they immediately started recruiting me when the new staff was in place. I actually was the first player to visit under the new staff."
*What types of advice does your father give you regarding football? "He gave me some advice when I first started, mainly on the defensive side (Mark played defensive line at OSU). Now, he thinks Im playing the best position for me (right tackle)."
*What is the hardest part of the game for an offensive lineman? "Pass blocking off the edge (blocking the outside defensive lineman - in OSUs case, Inoke Breckterfield). Its me against him, youre pretty much out there alone."
*Offensive lineman rarely receive any recognition - does that bother you? "Not at all, thats the way its always been. Unless you really screw up and are criticized by the coaches, or make a couple of great blocks, you really dont hear much. I know I have had a good game when I havent missed any of my assignments, the quarterback didnt get hit, and a couple of defensive lineman end up on their backs."
*If a fan focused on you for one contest, how could he or she tell if you were having a good game? "A running back runs eight or 10 yards because of my block, the quarterback doesnt get hit, but really the best indicator is if a defensive player ends up on his back."
*How has offensive line coach Jim Gilstrap been a benefit for you on the field? "Hes taught me how to block the really quick players off the edge, because I hadnt experienced the speed of the game at this level before I came to Oregon State. He also has taught me a lot about pass and run blocking and how to stay with your opponent."
*Without going into a graphic detail, tell us about what type of things are said on the line of scrimmage? "Not really much among us when were scrimmaging, because we know everybody personally and their abilities, but if someone gets a hand in a facemask or theres a dispute between the offensive line and defensive line, things can get a little heated. When we play actual games, I dont get too involved in what is being said. I have never had a lot said to me in the trenches."
*Are the offensive linemen on this team a close group, and if so, why? "We are much closer this year, compared the last season. We have a lot more camaraderie among us, as well as a couple of comedians."
*What is said in the huddle after a lineman misses a block and the quarterback is sacked? "The other linemen try to pick your confidence up, because they know youre down on yourself. The linemen try to get you ready for the next play."
*What personal goals do you have for this season? "Start all 11 games. I also want to be consistent and not give up too many sacks."
*Your roommate, Tyler Tomich, said you love to read. What kinds of things do you like to read, and what got you interested in this type of reading? "I like most any kind of fiction. In junior college I went through the entire fiction section of the library. I guess I got interested in reading when I was young because we didnt have a television. My dad has a fairly large library, so I just started picking up some of his books."
*Do you have any aspirations to play at the next level? "I sure would like to. I need to have a very good season, and I need to work on my speed."
*What will you miss most about football when you are done playing? "The physical contact, being able to go out on the field on Saturday and bang some heads. I also will miss being around my teammates."
*What will you miss least about football when you are done playing? "Being on the extra point and field goal units. I think there is a risk of injury on those units."
On the Sidelines (Matt Gartung) Parents: Mark and Shirley Gartung Brother: Ben (17) Sisters: Alyssa (23) and Alanna (19) Born: May 26, 1976 in Lindsay, California Etc.: Sierra League Lineman of the Year as a senior at Strathmore High School in California; Cal-Hi Sports First Team All-State; First Team All-American as a sophomore at the College Of The Sequoias; originally signed with San Jose State out of high school, but elected to transfer to junior college.
