:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63329640/Kh8_xaHj.0.jpg)
One of the biggest — both literally and figuratively — recruits on campus this past weekend was Massachusetts 2020 4-star Zak Zinter, one of Michigan’s top targets along the offensive line. This was Zinter’s fourth time to campus, and the experience continued to blow him away.
Amazing visit at the Big House talking @UMichFootball! Thank you @CoachJim4UM, @4Warinner, @FBCoachDBrown, @_b_blanes, @Coach_Gattis, @coachhendershot, @n8crutch, @Thee_Matty_D, & the entire coaching staff for the great hospitality & making us feel like part of the UM family! 〽️ pic.twitter.com/vBRmmXY8sP
— Zak Zinter (@zak_zinter) March 31, 2019
Zinter caught up with Maize n Brew to recap the trip, which he called “awesome.”
“They had two full days planned out,” Zinter said. He participated in a long list of activities including meeting the training staff and getting pitches about the player development and academics.
Zinter then “watched practice, toured the football facilities and the new additions they’re adding” and “talked with (the) nutritionist.”
All of this was before lunch on the first day. After getting food with the offensive line coaches, Zinter “went bowling and (had) dinner with some of the players and coaches.”
Zinter emphasized getting to know the members of team outside of football was “really cool.”
On Saturday, the staff got down to business. Zinter said offensive line coach Ed Warinner told him “they think I’m a perfect fit for Michigan,” citing his versatility from playing every position along the line.
After a position meeting with the offensive line, the 6-foot-6, 300-pound rising junior got to have a photo shoot and spend “over and hour” with head coach Jim Harbaugh.
When asked what Harbaugh’s message was to him, Zinter revealed the head coach said “he would love for me to commit and he sees me as a perfect fit for them as well.”
Zinter is ranked No. 225 overall in the nation and the 23rd best tackle. Given that, he’s been recruited heavily. He recently made trips to Ohio State and Penn State in addition to Michigan, calling offers from the schools “incredible opportunities” and explaining he’s “just trying to see what’s the perfect fit for me and feels like home.”
As for what’s next, Zinter said he hasn’t made a top list yet, but “Michigan will be in it.” He says he hopes to make a decision before the start of his senior season.
“Just really going to talk it out with my parents and keep talking with the coaches,” he said.
Lastly, Zinter said he will “definitely” be back on campus “before the end of summer.” Whether that is for an official visit is still to be determined, but having him back for a fifth time before his senior year would be significant.
The Wolverines could very well be in the driver’s seat here.