Rock Chalk Talk with Kansas Recruit Zach Bolton
by Owen Kemp on Aug 19, 2009 5:15 AM CDT
in Football
11 comments
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.
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My favorite 2010 recruit
Period.
Kid said all the right things and you have to love the quote about taking care of business. Yeah, short and to the point doesn’t exactly make for a great interview, but that attitude will translate well on the field for KU. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that he signs with KU in February (you just never know).
Sawin' wood
I think with his personal connection to the school we should be able to keep Bolton. As far as the interview I think you are exactly right the short, concise, confident answers fit the makeup of an offensive lineman perfectly. Of the top of my head I can’t think of too many o-lineman that liked to yuk it up with the media all day long and that’s a good thing. More pressing matters at hand for these guys.
Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.
"we should be able to keep Bolton"
Are you saying there’s a chance we could lose him? Are their indications that his stock and recruitment rating are rising?
If I were a drag queen, I'd go out as a Sarah Palin look-alike and title my character 'Miss Information.'
no...
I was just responding to Rivets comment about keeping his fingers crossed. I haven’t seen any indication of him looking elsewhere and he’s already been recruited by some bigger names prior to deciding on Kansas anyway. I think we’ll be fine but nothing’s over till it’s over.
Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.
looks like a potential stud
any chance he could round into 4* shape by signing day?
If I were a drag queen, I'd go out as a Sarah Palin look-alike and title my character 'Miss Information.'
Yeah seems like the lineman are like that
Where as receivers got the flash and like to talk up their game, lineman are strait-to-the-point. My job is knock people off the ball and I’m going to do it. I like it.
That guy is a beast
hard to believe he’s only 260. Looks like he’ll fill out quite a bit.
www.twinkietalk.com
www.olympicsportsblog.wordpress.com
Be nice to see him tack on a few lbs
Seems like he has good quickness athleticism judging by his comments and stats. Tack on some more weight and he’ll be rollin
I loved the no BS
attitude of this guy. Excellent work Denver.
by hunter s. royal on Aug 20, 2009 4:29 PM CDT reply actions
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