here are Zach's dad and Zach's HS coaches interviews
Ok – here you go. You have my permission and Coach Litchel’s to publish these remarks.
My responses:
1. How I have seen Zach progress over the years as a QB & a leader? Zach has excelled as a player and more importantly as a leader. I can recall him playing football as a youth. He used to dress up in this “kids – Philly Eagles or Pitts Steelers uniform – complete with shoulder pads and cheap plastic helmet. He would organize all of the kids in the neighborhood and play tackle in the back yard. If they didn’t have enough kids, they’d make players out of cardboard boxes – so that he could align defenses and hit something. They would play daily until after dark & throughout the year – regardless of the weather. As he got older, he played pee-wee ball, pony and midget level organized football for the City Catholic League. He lived and breathed football as a kid and still does. During his pre-high school years, he played tailback, set rushing records & won a state championship. When the coach wanted to throw the ball long, they’d set up Zach as QB & even though everyone knew it was a passing play – they would constantly beat teams with his arm. As a 9th grader, he set the state record for tossing a softball in the State Olympic games. He started to play high school ball in 9th grade. He played tailback &/or QB, they won their division with a 10 & 0 record. There are no play-offs for 9th grade in PA. In the 10th grade, he beat out a 3-yr starter for the QB position – mid way through the season. During his junior year in high school, he set the state record for most passing yards in a single season. Not many people know it, but he was the only Division one player on that team. He also participated in every possible QB camp that he could get to (elite 11, east coast elite, and several college programs – I recall @ the Purdue and Michigan QB camps – he was camp MVP). His leadership skills are his strength. He is humble, honest, hard working and dedicated to his trade & team. He is not a show off or cocky player – you won’t see him dancing on stage or in the end -zone. He would rather recognize his team mates or coaches versus himself. As a QB, he has been trained by coaches that consisted of a former NFL QB and very successful college QB. He really developed his leadership skills during his senior year of high school. The team he played had graduated all of the athletes the prior year. Zach could have transferred to a different team, but he elected to stay with his alma-mater and help develop as many young players that he could. That hurt him in the “national media rankings” – but we all know how those systems gather & report their information. From our point of view, only Coach Weis’s opinion matters.
2. Do I think Zach can still make progress? He is not the type of person that thinks he knows it all. He will continue to work hard and hone his skills. He elected to go to ND because of the coaches and the school’s academic reputation.
3. How do I feel about Zach’s chances of starting @ QB in 07? There is no doubt in my mind that he will be the next QB at ND – but of course – I’m the Dad – so why wouldn’t I say that. I will tell you that he did not go to ND to sit on the bench and he could have played at any Division I school of his choice. Zach has been loyal to the ND program since his early recruiting announcement and he trusts and believes in Coach Weis and his offensive system. I know he is working very hard this off-season and is very comfortable with his status. I will tell you that many consider Zach to be a non-mobile QB; however, I think they would pleased to know that he played tailback earlier in his career – trust me – he can run with the ball. Think about it - would you want to tackle a 225lb QB running at you with 4.6 speed? Also, when Coach Weis was recruiting him – he stressed that he preferred Zach’s “escape-ability from the pocket” skills and that he was his first offer as the ND coach and he would build the team around him. Since no one has seen him in practice nor on the field (other than warm-ups), I’m sure ND fans are anxious to see him on the field. I wish I could tell you more; however, out of respect for the other players, any more “inside” information needs to stay within the team.
4. What are his best qualities as a QB? Again, let’s keep it in perspective – you’re talking to a parent - In my opinion, he possesses both the physical and mental qualities for today’s modern QB. He is now 6’5” and 227lbs – and there is no fat on his body. Actually, when I saw him over this holiday break, I could not believe the physical transition (how ripped & lean) his body has become. I think his physical size and strength are his attributes that are hard to overlook. Today’s QB needs to be able to see over the line and be able to take a pounding. They also need to be able to deliver the ball quickly and accurately in a very tight window / timeframe. Having the physical size, mental capability to absorb complicated systems, apply it on the field, and lead / manage the adversity of being the ND QB position is what will set him apart. Zach comes from a blue collar environment and has been raised to live by the Ten Commandments. He is dedicated and has tremendous work ethics and attitude. He has experience playing in all types of weather and a complicated pass oriented system. He has played under adversity, in come from behind situations, played without D-1 talent & hype surrounding him – and yet he still excelled to be selected as an Elite / Division I QB playing for the best program in the country.
Coach Rich Litchel (Mechanicsburg High School, Mechanicsburg, PA) comments:
1. What was the best part of having Zach on your team? He was a talented role model. A true leader and the best QB I’ve ever coached.
2) Did others on the team look up to him? Yes – he inspired them with his toughness and ability to win. He was the glue that held everyone together. He is a natural leader – in that he inspires people to do things that they did not think was possible.
3) Did he make others around him look good on the field? Yes – his ability to read defenses enabled him to make multiple receiver reads. Receivers knew that on every play they could be the one getting the ball – so they worked extra hard and we were very successful. That success is attributed to Zach – he was my coach on the field.
4) Is Zach good at competing under pressure? Yes – that is when he is at his best! We had several games that we had to come from behind late in the game. I basically told Zach to make it happen and he always delivered! He never gives up and don’t be surprised when he does the same @ ND! That’s why we nicknamed him the “Zach Attack”.
5) Did Zach have to beat anyone out for the starting job in HS? Mid way through his sophomore year, he replaced a senior starter. I have watched Zach in local camps since he was in the eighth grade – I knew we had someone special coming up through our ranks. I couldn’t wait to have him lead our team. He is the best QB to not only come out of our high school, but one of the best to come out of Pennsylvania. When you think about some of the great PA high school players that went on to great achievements (like Marino, Unitas, Kelly, Namath, Montana and recently Henne), Zach is from that same mold and breed and if he excels like I know he can - hopefully history will include his name in the future.
