2021 OLB Zack Schipper, Going Up on Recruiting Boards in a College Town Near You

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

With a view from the stands, such a big part of football is the thrill of the game and watching talented players go at it. For those fans of Vista High School during the 2018 season, outside linebacker Zack Schipper was giving the crowds their monies’ worth. Schipper was a destroyer of drives, and quarterbacks, coming up with 60 total stops, 40 solo, 20.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks with one pass breakup and one fumble recovery. The stat line tells the story of the chaos the 6-1, 200-pound, Tasmanian devil brings to the field, especially getting into the backfield. His speed pops, and so do his hits. Schipper is a human highlight reel delivering sledgehammer hits play after play, so hard that he jarred loose seven forced fumbles.

The word is getting out on Schipper and his talents in the box leading to college programs putting his name on their boards. After his junior campaign, one can expect a lot more teams seeking to find out more about this Vista (CA) product.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I got inside the helmet of one of California’s top under the radar Class of 2021 prospects learning more about how he plays the game.

Interview

Zack, you do a great job of letting your presence be known to quarterbacks who hang in the pocket too long. After a big hit on a given QB, what differences are you seeing in how they play against you?

“I definitely see a difference. Once I get that hit, you can tell it scares them. They notice where you are at on the field. In our game plan, we disguise where I am coming from to mix them up. We have different pass rush routes.”

Your speed, more precisely your closing speed when tracking down the ball is excellent. What is the fastest 40-yard dash you’ve posted?

“The latest is a 4.66 laser-timed. I have not run that many combine 40-yard dashes. I do know that my game speed is different than a combine 40-yard dash.”

Another element to your game that I like is how you utilize stunts getting to the quarterback, what are some of the other traits to your game that allow you to cause chaos in the opposition’s backfield?

“A big factor are my hands. I use my hands a lot. I space myself out a lot between tackles and guards. I time the cadences from watching film. I get down the timing of the snap to get that sack.”

Which parts of your game have you been working on this offseason?

“This offseason I have been focused on getting bigger, adding weight, getting faster, improving my hands, and improving my footwork. I am playing a standup rush end/outside linebacker. I have been working on my steps off that position and with my defensive linemen as well making sure we are together.”

You just mentioned playing the end/outside linebacker role for the team, are you playing any other positions this season?

“Yes. You will see me at Mike, Sam, and Will.”

Did you go to any camps this summer?

“Yes. I went to San Diego State, USC, and Redlands.”

Of them all, which was your best camp performance?

“I feel like the San Diego State camp was my best. SDSU is one of my favorite schools. I wanted to show out to those coaches. That was a fun day of competition. I won most of my reps and did well overall.”

Entering the 2019 season, which schools are showing recruiting interest?

“SDSU, I have built a good relationship with their linebackers’ coach (defensive coordinator), Coach (Zach) Arnett and with Coach (Richard) Sanchez (defensive backs). UCLA, Washington, and Oregon State are also showing interest in me.”

Did you visit any schools this offseason?

“I took one to SDSU.”

How did the visit go?

“It was good. I like their facilities and the campus. I met all the coaches and walked around locker room. I liked it and SDSU is close to home.”

Looking ahead. What kind of season do you see the Panthers having this year?

“I think we will do better this year than last year. We are a close team and we have a lot of chemistry. The practices are intense and competitive. We push each other a lot, that will help during the season.”

What goals have you set for yourself for the upcoming season?

“Stats wise, I want to double my stats – my tackles and sacks. Another big goal for me is being a leader for my team. I want to take part in the leadership of the team and lead my team deep into the playoffs.”

Zack, it was great covering ground on the field with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you success this season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Schipper family; Zack Schipper