Interview: 2021 California OLB Zack Schipper Talks UNLV Visit and Football
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
College football programs seeking that outside linebacker who has speed and power against the run, can rush off the edge applying pressure against the passing attack, and can drop back into coverage – Class of 2021 Vista High School talent Zack Schipper might be the fit. The 6-1, 200-pound, defender is coming off a 60-tackle, 13-tackle for a loss, 7.5-sack season with seven forced fumbles posting 29 stops with five tackles for a loss, three sacks, seven QB hurries, and a forced fumble in stats posted through four games of his junior season.
His overall talents are starting to be recognized with a visit taken over the weekend to UNLV and one upcoming to Oregon State. For a briefing on his jarring hits, growing talents, and recruiting process, we reconnected for an interview.
*Click link for Aug. 8, 2019, RNG interview with Zack Schipper
Interview
Zack, we spoke last during fall camp covering your preparation for the season; how has the 2019 season gone for you so far?
“It has gone pretty good so far. We won league; we went 5-0 in league. We only have one loss on the season. We had one forfeit loss due to an ineligible player. Our on the field record is 8-1.”
What set are you guys running and what are you doing this season within the scheme?
“We are mixing it up a lot. We are running three- and four-man fronts. We are mixing it up depending on the opposing team’s offensive scheme. We are bringing a lot of pressures, blitzing combos, and different coverages mix up the quarterback’s decisions.”
Where are you showing the biggest improvements on the field?
“My biggest improvement would be my rushing. I have gotten better with my speed and hands, my tackling as well.”
Of the games played, which has been your best performance?
“I’d say our game against St. Margaret’s. I didn’t have a sack but I had seven QB hurries, I got a lot of hits on the QB, and I had a bunch of tackles too.”
Which schools are showing interest?
“The main two right now are UNLV and Oregon State.”
Have you visited any schools since we spoke last?
“Yes. I just visited UNLV on Saturday.”
How did the UNLV trip go?
“It was good. The coaches showed a lot of love and hospitality. They were great, I loved the coaches. The campus and all-around environment, it was great. It was great being there to witness it all and being on the sidelines for the game.”
Seeing it live, what did you think of the Rebels’ defense?
“They have a solid defense. I like what they are doing and they players they have. They are all fast and hit hard. I can see myself in their defense.”
Coming up, do you have any planned visits?
“Next month I am visiting Oregon State for the Arizona State game. I am excited to see how that goes.”
Closing out the interview with football questions. The Panthers have won seven in a row. As a team, how are you guys playing with one game left in the regular season looking at the playoffs?
“We are looking pretty good. Being this deep into the season, we have been pushing each other more in practice to get better so we can make a run to the CIF Championship. It has been 10 years since our school has won a championship. We want to tell everyone we are back.”
What is in store for you going against Carlsbad (8-1) on Friday?
“The main thing as a defense is to get better. The game against Carlsbad is a chance for us to get better. They are a good team – a solid team with a lot of weapons on offense. It will be tough but it will prepare us for the playoffs.”
Zack, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you and the team success on into the playoffs.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Vista HS; No. 4 Zack Schipper in action (2019)