Rock Chalk Talk with Kansas Recruit Zach Bolton

Offensive lineman don't get the glory, they aren't often sought out by the media and they typically go their entire careers without ever touching the ball.  They get battered, bruised, spit on, cussed at and fight without complaining from the opening whistle.

However the role they fill is probably the most important in terms of the success of the team and depth on the line can be a major indicator of the long term stability of a program.. 

Just a short time ago Kansas was recruiting guys and building them into lineman.  There were certainly some pretty successful ones without a doubt but the idea was always that in order to make the next step the Jayhawks were going to have to start recruiting them instead of simply developing them.

John Williams, Trevor Marrongelli, Riley Spencer and Gavin Howard are all recent examples of big ready made offensive lineman that were recruited into the system with a physical presence from the get go. 

This year the trend continues and while Zach Bolton will certainly need to add a little bit of bulk, he is an extremely well thought of interior line prospect who brings great quickness and explosiveness to the position. 

Zach gave us a few minutes on Sunday night and while at times he's a man of few words, he get's to the point and seems pretty focused on making an impact when he arrives at Kansas.

Denver

Alright to get things started if you could give us a little summary in terms of your recruitment, what schools you were looking at? what went into your decision? and how it came down to Kansas?

Zach

I was looking at Kansas, Mizzou and NU.  Coaching Style, the school itself and the football program went into my decision.  As far as Kansas, it was everything I was looking for in a school.

Denver

Who handled your recruitment for Kansas? How was that relationship developed and what factor did it play into the decision?

Zach

Basically it was me.  It started when I came to Kansas to visit and the coaching relationship played a small role because you can't go to a school for a coach because they could always leave the next year.

Denver

Did you have offers to all three schools you mentioned?

Zach

Yes I did.

Denver

When did you visit Kansas?

Zach

During Spring Break I came up to Lawrence with Mrs. Thompson, she is Johnathan Wilson's mother and my mentor.

Denver

I see, so were Johnathan and Mrs. Thompson the ones that introduced you to Kansas

Zach

Kind of, but not the only ones.

Denver

You mentioned coaching style as a factor, what were you looking for in terms of coaching style that you saw with the Jayhawk staff?

Zach

What I saw at Kansas was a well balanced offense and an up and coming powerhouse.

Denver

What stood out about your visit to the campus?

Zach

Hands down the weight room!!!

Denver

Seems to be a common response amongst recruits, must be pretty nice.

Zach

Yes it is!!

Denver

What position are you projecting at up at Kansas?

Zach

I'll be playing offensive guard.

Denver

How would you describe your play? Biggest strengths? any areas you really want to focus on improving?

Zach

I play with quickness and power, those are my strengths.  As far as an area to work on, I just want to work on finishing every block.

Denver

Any player pro or college that you look up to or would like to reach the same level as?

Zach

Nope, I want to be on my own level and make my own name.

Denver

Good answer, so how about your measurables..height, weight, 40, bench, squat?

Zach

6'3",  260 pounds,  4.85 40 time,  I bench 330  and squat 475

Denver

Anything else you'd like to say to the Kansas Jayhawk fans. I know there is a lot of excitement about landing you and continuing to establish talented depth at offensive line?

Zach

Once I get on the field I'm planning on living up to the hype and takin care of business.

Denver

good deal, you coming up for any games this year?

Zach

Yep, not sure which one yet though.

Denver

fair enough, one last question. How's J. Wilson going to do this year. Any predictions?

Zach

He'll have a great season, I heard he was doing real good during 2 a days.

Denver

there's been a lot of talk about him stepping up this year so we're excited to see what he does.

Zach

So am I.

Denver

Well thanks again for your time tonight, good luck on the season.

Zach

No problem.