by Kyle
I got a chance to catch up with one of Kentucky’s top prep players and current UK football recruiting target Zach West. Zach is an Offensive Lineman for Lexington Christian Academy, who just finished up their 2009 season as Kentucky class A state champions.
Kyle: What was it like winning the A state championship this past season?
Zach West “It was awesome, every high school football players dream! We had come close for three years each time winning our region and semi-state in 2007 but we got beat at state by Beechwood. This year everything just came together: The sixteen seniors (we had a lot of experience), the fact that we have all played together since 6th grade and a much improved defense. I’m looking forward to getting my state ring in a couple of weeks!”
What are the strengths of your game, and where do you want to improve?
ZW: “My strengths are pass-blocking (I’ve been told by several college coaches that this is an area of strength) long arms and good feet. With my size I can always improve in the speed category but I’m working hard on that in the offseason. I also continually work on my upper body strength and foot agility.”
What position do you play now, and where are you projected in college?
ZW: “I have started as the Left Offensive Tackle on our team since my freshman year. With my size (6’5″ 295), I guess I could fill in the offensive guard position or as an offensive tackle.”
What type of goals do you have for your senior season?
ZW: “I’m hoping to be in the best shape of my high school years. I’ve been working out in the off season with weights and running. I would love to make it back to the state championship but we have a lot of holes to fill. I am also hoping to be a team captain.”
What other sports do you participate in, and which do you plan on pursuing?
ZW: “Right now I am in Track and Field throwing the shot-put and Discus. I’m not really sure how I’ll do because I haven’t touched either since the 8th grade.”
Did Kentucky bringing in coach Summers affect your opinion of the program?
ZW: “I was invited to Junior Day at UK right after coach Summers arrival and he is from this area, he said he graduated from Tates Creek and then Georgetown college. He is very personable and a good choice by Joker. He adds a great deal to the program and is easy to talk to, much more so than the prior coach. I’m hoping he will turn around some in-state recruiting since he is from this area.”
Growing up did you follow UK? Who was your favorite Wildcat and why?
ZW: “I’ve always followed UK. They have had there ups and downs but my father, aunt and uncle all graduated from UK. My father always says he never missed one home football game while there, so I had to be a wildcat fan.
Favorite players: Dermonti Dawson, Zipp Duncan and Gary Williams. These are my favorite wildcats because they are all great lineman and they were always exemplified leaders on the team and in the community.”
Has current UK QB and LCA Alum Tyler Sergeant been in your ear?
ZW: “I hate to admit it but I don’t know Tyler Sergeant. My former teammate at UK currently is Craig McIntosh. We played in the state championship against Beechwood in the 2007 season. He is a great guy and an outstanding kicker.”
Which schools have been recruiting you and who’s after you the hardest?
ZW: “I have been contacted by many Division 1 schools and right now I am going to keep all options open.”
What is your summer schedule looking like, and which camps/combines do you plan on attending?
ZW: “As far as camps and combines, I’m still working on my list. Probably Auburn and Alabama and select other SEC schools and Big Ten schools I’m interested in but haven’t had personal contact with.”
Here’s a highlight video of Zach
***Special thanks to Zach for taking the time to do this interview.
(photo: LCAsports.org)
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