Sidekick along for ride

NEWPORT BEACH — Roy Schuening was picked 94 players ahead of David Vobora in the NFL Draft. Schuening also played at a bigger college than Vobora. But none of that matters at Irrelevant Week, which kicked off Monday in Newport Beach, where Schuening played second fiddle to Mr. Irrelevant XXXIII.

But Schuening doesn’t mind. As an offensive lineman, he usually let’s others take the spotlight anyway.

“It’s been amazing because I get to go around and be in the background,” said Schuening, a right guard out of Oregon State and the 157th overall pick of the St. Louis Rams. “Anything David needs from me then I can help him.”

Schuening might seem grateful because he feels lucky to tag along with Vobora for Irrelevant Week. Vobora originally wanted Taylor Rust, a college friend from Idaho, to accompany him, but they were concerned the invite would violate NCAA rules.

So Vobora called on his teammate to be his special guest for Irrelevant Week. Made sense because they were quick to become friends. They understood each others personality. They are both from Oregon. They have the same aspirations and both are hard workers.

They’ll go back to work for the Rams on July 23 when training camp opens. But until then they are taking in the festivities at Irrelevant Week, as Vobora is being celebrated as the 252nd and dead last pick of the NFL Draft.

Being able to come with Vobora to Orange County to experience Irrelevant Week, Schuening said he couldn’t ask for anything more.

When mentioned about the different events happening this week — VIP treatment at Disneyland today, a Rams reunion Wednesday — Schuening was most looking forward to the Playboy Mansion on Friday, since he has never been before.

“It’s been a dream of mine,” he said with a smile.

Schuening was also smiling when Vobora introduced him to the crowd at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort Monday.

“We call him Baby Boy Roy,” Vobora said of his friend.

Schuening was apparently no baby in college.

The 6-foot-4, 313-pound offensive lineman started 50 consecutive games for the Beavers breaking the Oregon State record of 48. In 2004, he was named to the Sporting News Freshman All-American and the All-Pac-10 Conference and in 2006 received honorable mention in the All-Pac-10 Conference.

As a senior he was awarded first-team All-American.

Not only was Schuening a great athlete, he was one of 20 players who received Academic All-Pac-10 Conference honors for his last two years on the team.

He said he was excited to play again with Rams star running back Steven Jackson, a former Beaver, though he only trained with him at Oregon State, as Schuening was a redshirt in Jackson’s final year of college.

Schuening also has connections with Rams head coach Scott Linehan. Linehan’s nephew happens to be one Schuening’s close friends.

“It is a great opportunity for me and my career and to be able to get in there and contribute to a team that has had a good success in the past,” Schuening said about being able to play with the Rams.

Schuening also said he is very happy to be with the Rams.

After all, it led to a ticket to Irrelevant Week.

JESSICA IRIZARRY may be reached at (714) 966-4616.