FLASHBACK: New Browns QB Kizer played in front of family in Clyde

November 17, 2012CLYDE — Most of DeShone Kizer's relatives don't get to see the major recruit and Toledo Central Catholic quarterback play very often.But as good fortunates had it, Kizer and the Fighting Irish were able to put on a full display of their arsenal in his family's backyard at Robert Bishop Stadium in Clyde Friday night.The Irish (12-1) broke open a tight game in the late stages of the first half and rolled past Avon by a 42-14 score, advancing to the state semifinals in the process.Kizer's mother, Mindy, is a 1991 Clyde graduate. Her brother, Gary Swartz, is the offensive line coach as an assistant to Marc Gibson on the Clyde coaching staff. Gary's son, Garrison, is Kizer's cousin and was the tight end for the Fliers this past season.Butch Swartz, Kizer's grandfather, was a mainstay on Bob Bishop's staff as an assistant, spending nearly two decades on the sidelines for Clyde.It's definitely a privilege to stand and play in the same spot where pretty much all of my family has put blood, sweat and tears out on," Kizer said after the game. "It was a fun time to play in front of a bunch of hometown people who have been waiting to see me, but maybe haven't been able to get over to Toledo that much. It was a great time."I'm here once every two or three months, all the holidays we come out and spend time together as a family," he added. "But this is the first time I've been back since football started, so it was nice to come back and be able to see everyone."Kizer's offers to major Division I programs are starting to pile up. Penn State just came into the picture this week with a scholarship offer, and the Nittany Lions are in the hunt along with Nebraska, Boston College, Syracuse, Illinois, Michigan State and Louisville among others.Through it all, Garrison Swartz says his cousin hasn't changed."He has the leadership, and is completely humble, which makes me happy," Garrison said. "None of this has gotten to his head. He's gotten great offers and is going to do great things, he's going to make the family proud."It's good to see him go out and represent our name," he added. "He's a great player and leader. You can't ask for more all around. He's the whole package."Mindy Kizer said Friday's game was an experience her son will never forget."It's like DeShone coming home to play a home game," she said. "He grew up here and spent summers here and a lot of time in general here. Being able to play in Clyde really meant a lot to him."I didn't like sitting on this side of the field though," she added. "It was a different view, and I didn't like it. But it was an experience, and he got to come home and play on my field."Butch Swartz felt a similar feeling like his daughter, considering his time put in at Clyde."It was different to me to be on this side of the stadium after spending 16 years on that home sideline across the way," he said. "It was kind of tough coming over here, but it was great because they came out with a nice win. Hopefully they can get two more and we'll be home free."The elder Swartz was an assistant on the Division III state championship team, and the 1994 state runners-up team. He's hoping the Irish can get two more wins so his grandson can experience the same feeling he once got."I know how it feels to be on that field and win the state championship," he said. "I hope he gets that feeling, too, because it's really just a great feeling. You can't describe it until you've been part of it."Meanwhile, Gary Swartz, a 1988 Clyde graduate, was with athletic director Ryan Greenslade Sunday afternoon when he got the call that Central Catholic was coming to town."The first thing I did was send a text to Mindy and tell her she gets to come home," he said. "I don't think she ever thought she'd have a son who would be playing on this field from another school, so it's nice having him be able to play here."Friday was only Gary's fourth time seeing his nephew play in person, as the Clyde football schedule often conflicts with Central Catholic's."What I like about him is how humble he is," Gary said. "He's well-spoken, and has his head about him and his mom makes sure of that. He knows what he wants. He knew going in it would be a special year, and it's been great for the family."In Friday's win, Kizer was 9-of-16 passing for 108 yards and a touchdown, and added 77 yards rushing on nine attempts. The Irish got two interception returns for touchdowns in the win to aid the offense.Kizer said he's taking in the recruiting process on a daily basis."It's going well. Your junior year is a big year when it comes to recruiting, and hopefully doors begin to open a little wider and a few more schools step in," he said. "After the season, I may narrow it down to a top five or seven and maybe even make a decision by next season."But all of that will have to wait, as the Irish are looking for state championship No. 2."One of our goals at the beginning of the season was to make the state championship game, and tonight was one more step towards that goal," Kizer said. "As long as we continue to work hard, and have fun while doing it, we should be successful."In this Nov. 16, 2012 file photo, Toledo Central Catholic quarterback DeShone Kizer stands with his mom, Mindy, left, and cousin Garrison Swartz, uncle Gary Swartz and grandfather Butch Swartz prior to a Division III regional championship game against Avon at Clyde High School.