Top 2018 Florida OC Zack Zambrano Discusses Verbal Commitment to Princeton
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
All the blood, sweat, and tears put into an amazing high school career for Zack Zambrano that began as a freshman on American Heritage’s varsity squad in 2014 ended with three Florida state championships in 2017. Off the field, Zambrano carried his 6-4, 290 pound, weight a different way sporting a 4.6 GPA while scoring a 27 on the ACT and a 1240 on the SAT. The result of his combined efforts led to 17 scholarship offers and opportunities to go to just about any school he pleased. On Thursday, January 18, 2018, Zambrano went public with his perfect college fit announcing his verbal commit to Princeton.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive first-look interview, I sat down with Zambrano finding out how the Princeton commitment came to fruition.
Interview
Zack, I’d like to get an update on your recruiting process to date. During the open recruiting period in December, you had Penn, Princeton, Western Michigan, Columbia, and Florida Atlantic come by the school to meet with you in person and you also had in-home visits with Columbia, Western Michigan, Princeton, and Penn. Since recruiting opened again in January, have you had any college coaches come by school or at the house for an in-home visit?
“Princeton has come by the school and back to the house again for another in-home visit.”
With all the offers, interest, and visits mixed into the recruiting process, how have you narrowed down your focus to a top school?
“The biggest thing for me was finding an academic fit for my goals in general. I have been looking for the best academic school that will allow me to pursue the career that I want after college.”
Which career are you interested in pursuing?
“Right now, I am interested in pursuing a career in international affairs and foreign policy. I would like to work for the FBI, CIA or the state department after my football career is over.”
With 17 total offers on the table, do you have a top school?
“On Friday night, I verbally committed to Princeton.”
Congratulations. How did the commit take place?
“The Princeton coaches were at my house for an in-home visit. I committed to them then.”
What was the reaction of the coaches when you committed?
“They were ecstatic. They have been waiting for this one for a while. When I told them, they were really happy. I have a great relationship with the coaching staff and the more time spent with them the more comfortable I was with them. When they were visiting, I knew it was time for me to commit. My parents and brother were there with me. I knew that Princeton is where I want to be and this is what I want to do.”
How did Princeton become the perfect fit for you?
“Overall, it was about the people. They have a great mix of people there. It has been easy to work with the coaches during this process. Coach (Bob) Surace (head coach) and Coach (Andrew) Aurich (offensive line coach/recruiting coordinator) have NFL experience, that is a plus.
“It came down to the people and the academic fit. Any school will have good facilities and a good field, then it comes down to the specifics. At Princeton, they have the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. I also got along well with the other recruits and the guys that are up there on the team already.”
How does the staff plan on using you within their system?
“As of right now, they see me as a center. They also said I could play guard. My focus right now is coming into school and fall camp ready to play right away.”
What is the setup for competition at center or guard?
“They have a center who was All-Ivy and he is graduating. There is an open competition at center.”
Did the coaching staff start laying down a track or program for you before you report to campus?
“They are coming down in about a week or so, then we will start planning. I will go up there during spring ball to plan that track a little more.”
How are you going to celebrate your commitment?
“In all honesty, it was a great moment but now I am focusing on my next goal – that is learning their system and getting ready to play. I’m getting back in the weight room and on the field working to be ready to play this season.”
How does it feel to essentially have the process over except for the big moment of signing your letter of intent?
“It is a great feeling. A weight has been lifted. I feel settled and now know where I am heading. It is time to move onto the next phase.”
Zack, congratulations on your commitment and thanks for your time today.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credits: Zambrano family; Zack Zambrano with Princeton coaching staff