Interview: 2020 American Heritage OG Hunter Zambrano Talks Mississippi State Visit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Word is getting out on Class of 2020 American Heritage offensive lineman Hunter Zambrano. An injury sidelined him from jumping out and pulling in double-digit offers during the 2018 season, but all of those opportunities are still to be had. The 6-5, 300-pound, guard is a force to be dealt with in the trenches for the Patriots routinely moving top Florida competition on down the field blowing open holes for his running backs. That has led to offers from Morgan State and Southern Miss with interest coming in from Louisville, UCF, UNLV, and Mississippi State among others.

Off a big weekend visit to Mississippi State and an all-too important spring evaluation period ahead, I got a quick update interview in with Zambrano getting down to business on his spring so far.

*Click link for Jan. 31, 2019 RNG interview with Hunter Zambrano

Interview

Hunter, how are the offseason workouts coming along for you?

“They are coming along really well. I go into the weight room every day and I run after school. I am also doing offensive line work three times a week.”

Being the weight room as much as you are, have you maxed lately?

“Yes. My bench press is up to 335, I squatted 365 pounds eight times, and my deadlift is 465.”

Impressive. You are making big strides in the weight room.

“Thank you.”

Last time we spoke you had a bunch of national camps on the schedule, which camps have you competed at thus far?

“I have competed at the Under Armour All-American Camp and I went to the Nike Opening Regional, but I had the flu so they sent me home. I have also gone to the South Florida Express Camp and an Adidas camp.”

How did the Under Armour camp go for you?

“It went really well. I won all my reps.”

That says it all. When we last spoke you had the offers from Morgan State and Southern Miss. If you will, update me on the schools showing interest?

“I am receiving interest from Mississippi State, FIU (Florida International), some Ivy League schools, Western Kentucky, and Louisville.”

Which schools have you visited recently?

“I have taken visits to FIU and Mississippi State.”

How did the FIU visit go?

“It was a really good visit. I really like the way they run their practice and the way their offensive line coach teaches his players.”

How did you see yourself fitting into their system along the offensive front?

“I see it as a good fit. They run the same offense as us. Their offensive line coaches teach the same way as our offensive line coach. I like the feel of everything at FIU and it is close to home. I really like the school a lot.”

What about the Mississippi State trip over the weekend, how did that go?

“It went really well. We landed Friday night. On Saturday morning, we got there at 8 o’clock that is when they took my height and measurements. Then I went with their offensive line coach and their offensive linemen and I watched film with them. After that, I went into locker room, had a photo shoot, and watched practice. After practice, their offensive line coach took me to his office. We went over the practice together and we talked for about two hours.”

Oh wow. What did the two of you talk about during the meeting?

“We talked about his background, we talked about Mississippi State football, how they run their practices and how the weightlifting goes there.”

What are your lasting impressions of the MSU visit?

“I have a really good impression of the school. I really like the way they teach their system. I am going back this summer for a camp.”

Do you have any upcoming visits you may take?

“I am not sure right now. I am going to USF (South Florida) on April 13. I might go to UNLV this summer and to Louisville probably for their camps.”

Hunter, it is always great catching up with you. I appreciate your time today and wish you continued success with your workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Zambrano family; Hunter Zambrano at Mississippi State