PSU impresses 2020 OL Zak Zinter
Penn State hosted one of its top 2020 targets along the offensive line Saturday in North Andover, Mass., resident Zak Zinter.
Listed at 6-foot-6, 300 pounds, Zinter has grabbed the attention of many of the region’s top programs, as Boston College, Michigan, Northwestern, Ohio State and Pitt are just some of the schools that've extended scholarship offers. The Nittany Lions were one of the first programs to do so, offering Zinter back in July following an excellent workout with offensive line coach Matt Limegrover.
That made this most recent trip his second to State College, but his first experience inside Beaver Stadium.
“I really enjoyed the visit and the chance to be able to spend quality time with a number of the coaches,” Zinter said. “I really got to know more about them, their coaching styles and what they’re looking for in their players and as a team.
“The weather wasn’t ideal for the fans, but that didn’t matter to these committed Penn State fans. They still came out in numbers. The atmosphere was high and Penn State delivered an unbelievable game. The o-line played awesome and I felt both offensive and defensive lines dominated the line-of-scrimmage. Fun to watch."
Before the game, Zinter said that he was able to spend time with multiple members of the both the coaching and recruiting staffs, including head coach James Franklin.
“I got to sit down and spend time with Coach Franklin, Coach Limegrover, Coach Bowen, [Mark] Dupuis, [Sean] Cascarano, [Kenny] Sanders and [Andrew] Goodman. They were really great conversations. We talked about how I am a great match for what Penn State is looking for in an offensive lineman.”
In addition to Penn State, Zinter has also now visited Boston College, Connecticut, Michigan, Notre Dame and Stanford. There are a few other schools that he’d like to see in the coming months, while a return trip to University Park is also realistic once Junior Days begin.
“I’m looking to make a visit with Duke, Northwestern and Ohio State," Zinter said. "We’re still working out details on dates. Penn State said I’m welcome back anytime I want, so I’m looking forward to returning soon.”
Zinter added that the Nittany Lions are “definitely high on my list,” while also stressing that he’s in no rush to narrow his list of schools, let alone make a commitment.