Interview: Florida 2018 OC Zack Zambrano has Upside to be Top 5 at His Position

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

While recruiting rankings are not an exact science the purpose is there to try give a measuring stick about a given player’s growth on the field to a certain point in time. Star rankings are not the end all-be-all and more times than not only serve as fodder for social media exchanges and chat room posts. For American Heritage High School center Zack Zambrano, his consensus ranking is that of a three-star but fails to shed light on his overall potential at the next level. The soon to be four-year varsity player has far more going for him than most of his peers at any position along the offensive line.

Much like college football team rankings, the high school level typically reflects the same status where year after year there are, for arguments sake, 30 or so teams among the best in the nation with another dozen or so teams that come in and out of the picture depending on the talent on the roster. One team seemingly always in that upper echelon mix is American Heritage. The Patriots captured a 5A state title in 2016 with a 35-33 win over Ponte Vedra with Zambrano quite literally in the center. The 6-3.5, 290 pound, prospect helped guide American Heritage’s offense up front to a 14-0 record anchoring a line that helped produce 32 points per game on average.

Zambrano, while more than held his own against top Florida defenders, was overshadowed to a certain degree as an underclassman with the likes of Class of 2017 four-star talents Tedarrell Slaton (Florida) and Kai-Leon Herbert (Miami) along with Robert Hawkins (Florida Atlantic) lining up next to him. Zambrano’s senior year will be much different as the only returning starter back along the offensive line for the Patriots. The 2017 season will be his chance to shine and truly take over up front as a leader for his unit.

Some college programs are finally starting to come around on Zambrano. Six offers have been extended so far from Maryland, Appalachian State, Pennsylvania, Columbia, Marshall, and Liberty. Interest from other big schools is building with Georgia Tech, Auburn, Navy, Princeton, Yale, and others, wanting to see how he evolves on the field during his senior season and through the college camp circuit. When the other colleges come around to Zambrano, they will find a true center with plenty of upside that has played against some of the top talent in the country for four years by National Signing Day. Not only is he a cerebral player, but one that also gets nasty in the trenches looking to finish off plays with a pancake block or at the minimum a defender’s cleats up in the air.

The consensus No. 14 ranking at center does not give due justice to Zambrano. In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I caught up with one of the more proven centers in the 2018 class going over his growth on the field last season, off-season focus, and recruiting process.

Interview

Zack, what was the playoff run like for you last season?

“It was a good building opportunity for the team. It was great to play those last five games. We played strong. The second game against Cardinal Gibbons (won 10-7) was tough. We drove down and scored to win the game. That is something I will always remember. That is a great feeling. For us to get to the playoffs and then things start falling into place. Offensively we did well during the playoffs, so did the defense. Our offense got stronger at the end of the season and it worked out well for us.”

Zack, how did your game improve during your junior season?

“I think it was good getting more experience playing center. I ended the season with a better understanding of the line. I was more fluid and not so choppy with my play. I have really been trying to work on my pad level in the run game and the movement with my off-hand trying to get the jump quicker on the defender with the advantage of knowing when the ball will be snapped.”

How did you step your game up during the playoffs?

“I think I became more comfortable with making calls and more comfortable in general. I had a better understanding of everything and started to come into my own becoming more sure of myself.”

Which game was your personal best last season when you felt like everything was going your way?

“I would have to say the second Cardinal Gibbons game in the playoffs. I think that was one of my best games by far.”

You mentioned a couple of things that are you working on this season, what else are you working on this off-season to prepare for your senior year?

“Being faster off the snap and making sure I keep my pad level low. Also, getting off the ball with some get up and moving through my steps fluidly.”

What are college coaches telling you they like about your game?

“They like how I get to the second level and make my blocks efficiently and that I have some grit and toughness to my play.”

Last summer you camped at Alabama, LSU, Tulane, Michigan, and Mississippi State, which college camps you might attend this summer?

“Right now I am not sure. I am looking at a couple of schools like Duke, North Carolina, and Auburn. After that, I am not sure. I’ll see how spring develops to see if there is anywhere else I want to camp.”

Which schools are showing interest in you now?

“Right now Georgia Tech, Navy, Princeton, Yale, Florida Atlantic, and some others.”

Your recruiting really took off this spring especially with offers extended, how many offers do you have now?

“I have six from Maryland, Appalachian State, Pennsylvania, Columbia, and Marshall and Liberty yesterday (Sunday).”

Which schools have you taken unofficial visits to so far?

“I have not taken many but in the next month or so to take quite a few. I’ve been to Miami, Maryland, and Navy as well and Florida Atlantic.”

How did the Miami visit go?

“It was my third time being there. I am familiar with the staff. Our former head coach is there. There are a lot of familiar faces there. Miami has a great campus and great coaches.”

How did your visit to Maryland go?

“It went really well. I loved the campus and got along well with the coaches. Recruiting with Maryland is going in a positive direction. They are building a great program there. Maryland is something I can see myself being a part of.”

What was your overall impression of the Terps, their facilities, and the program?

“They are really serious about becoming a power in Big Ten. They have a lot of support and are landing and going after big recruits. I think they are really starting to build something special there.”

You mentioned that you have some other planned unofficial visits that you might take soon, which schools might you visit this spring or summer?

“UPenn (Pennsylvania), Columbia, Princeton, Duke, UNC (North Carolina), and maybe App State (Appalachian State).”

Do you know which schools are coming to see you this spring?

“Georgia Tech came by today. Some schools coming through includes Vanderbilt. They were recruiting me a while ago but they signed a center. Some Ivy Leagues and others are coming through. Georgia Tech is coming back to see me go through drills again this spring.”

Which Georgia Tech coach came by to see you?

“Coach (Mike) Sewak, he is their offensive line coach.”

How did it go?

“It went well.”

Did Coach Sewak tell you the process he was looking for with you before they offer?

“Yeah. He just wants to see me move in open space and through drills a little more.”

Last time we spoke your GPA was a 4.5. Does that still hold up?

“Yes. Actually, it is a little higher but a 4.5 is close enough. Unweighted it is a 3.98.”

Do you have a score on your ACT or SAT you don’t mind sharing?

“I scored a 1240 on the SAT. I plan on taking it again. I’m sure I can get a 1300 next time.”

How does the team look in spring practices?

“We look good. We have a lot of new guys on the team. They are starting to learn the process and get comfortable. Guys are starting to become more comfortable in their roles and on the team. Offensively and defensively we will be quite good next year. We will produce like Heritage football produces.”

Zack, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your spring practices.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Zambrano family; No. 50 Zack Zambrano (left) with No. 77 Tedarrell Slaton Jr.

Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 50 Zack Zambrano between plays

Photo credit: Zambrano family; Zack Zambrano at Maryland