MEET OSBOURN'S CHAZ BATES

By: Joe Conroy | Inside NoVA
Published: November 12, 2009

It was the wrong time for Chaz Bates to try to be a quarterback at Osbourn High School.

Bates has battled with Thomas Keith for time under center the last two years and Keith has, with only a few exceptions, emerged as the starter most often.

But the senior is making an impact on the team in other ways, playing strong safety for the Eagles this year and providing leadership and experience on defense.

"Chaz's been an integral part of our program the last four years," Osbourn coach Steve Schultze said. "He probably has really solidified our season."

Bates has played quarterback some this season, spelling Keith or replacing him when Keith was injured.

"Chaz has put the team in front of his personal desires," Schultze said.

-- What's your favorite drill at practice?

As a defensive player it would be defensive back drills. On offense it would probably just be passing drills.

-- Talent you'd most like to have?

That would probably be more speed.

-- What superhero would you want to be?

I'd be Superman.

-- Do you have any superstitions?

If I have a good game I'll wash my socks, but wear the same ones [the next game]. I'll make sure I wear them again--I can't change it up.

-- Do you have a nickname on the team?

"Chazwell Dexter." Chaz is my name, but coach [Schultze] calls me Chazwell Dexter. We have another coach that calls me "Chaz Norman" like Norman Bates from Pyscho.

-- What's for dinner?

Captain D's. I love seafood.

-- The three DVDs you take to a desert island?

One would be "Friday," the second would be "Driving Miss Daisy" and number three would be "Polar Express."