O’Brien Steps Up – ‘That’s What I’m Here For’
October 23, 2016 | Football, General
By Mason Kelley
GoHuskies.com
Connor O'Brien brings a simple approach to the football field. If Washington's coaching staff asks him to do something, he does it. He works as hard as he can for as long as he is on the field. And he does it all with a smile on his face.
"Whatever I can do that best helps the team, that's what I'm here for," he said.
On Saturday, during the Huskies' 41-17 victory over Oregon State, O'Brien's role was a big one. For the second time in his collegiate career, O'Brien found himself in the starting lineup.
Not only did the outside linebacker find himself on the field. He made plays, finishing with four tackles – 1.5 for loss – and a sack.
And, when the game was over, standing just outside the locker room in his letterman jacket, O'Brien declined to take any credit for his performance.
"We game planned well," O'Brien said. "I just enjoyed going out there. I'm just really thankful coach K (Pete Kwiatkowski) and coach Pete (Chris Petersen) gave me the opportunity to go out there and play. I had a lot of fun out there today."
O'Brien was in the starting lineup because of an injury to senior Joe Mathis. Heading into the game, O'Brien knew it was a tall task. He was ready.
"It's always been a goal to be starting and getting out there," he said. "I just feel really blessed to get this opportunity.
"Joe is an unbelievable player. Those are pretty tough shoes to fill, so I don't know I don't know if I can quite do that. He's kind of a mentor for me, I try to watch and see how he does things. He'll be back soon enough, I'm sure. I'm just trying to do what I can while he's out."
Doing what he can means making plays. It started during fall camp and has continued into the season.
"He's just one of those dudes that has worked hard, just kept his head down," said linebacker Keishawn Bierria, who tied JoJo McIntosh for the team lead in tackles against the Beavers (five). "He didn't always see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it's bright, right in his face. He's stepping up on the big stage and making things happen."
Members of the same recruiting class, Bierria and O'Brien have been close since they arrived on campus.
"That's my brother right there," Bierria said. "I would do anything for him."
Throughout the game, O'Brien found himself matched up against Oregon State left tackle Sean Harlow. The linebacker and offensive lineman grew close during the recruiting process. In fact, Harlow was committed to the Huskies at one point.
That close connection added a little intrigue to matchup between the guy trying to get into the backfield and the guy trying to keep his quarterback on his feet.
"It was fun going against him the whole game," O'Brien said. "It's a good competitiveness. It was a lot of fun out there. He was really cool. Obviously, we're competing, so we're playing hard, but it was fun."
O'Brien always planned to one day find his way into Washington's starting lineup. It didn't happen the way he planned, but he's making the most of his opportunity.
"It's always been a goal to be starting and getting out there," O'Brien said. "I just feel really blessed to get this opportunity."
