Eagles Eye Ohio Linebacker

The most critical time for football prospects is the junior season. That is when colleges get their first look at guys in live action as starters. That sets up the summer before their senior year as far as offers, camps and visits. Ohio linebacker Zac Rosenbauer missed his junior season and consequently is operating on a different schedule.

As a sophomore, Ohio linebacker Zac Rosenbauer recorded 117 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. That was good enough earn 2nd Team All League and 2nd Team All District after his first season for his high school team. He was also the fullback and played tight end.

Just when he was about to start drawing attention from big-time football schools, he broke his collar bone and missed the entire 2008 season. Now healed, he is out to show everyone that he can play at the next level and is healthy. One of the schools that have noticed is Boston College.

“I have been talking with Coach Sirmans. He’s the running back coach. He recruits my area and I’ve been talking with him. He was in to see me workout and I think he was surprised to see how fast I was for my size.

“I did not play my senior season. I broke my collar bone in practice and missed the whole season. Boston College wanted me to come to camp, but I am unable to make it. So, they told me they will look at my senior film and watch me play in the fall. They have kept in contact which means they are serious.”

At this point, two schools have offers.

“I have an offer from Akron and Bowling Green. Both of those offers came during my sophomore season. Both schools continued to recruit me, despite the injury. I went to their camps and they saw I was healthy and continued to offer me.”

Having hit several camps and combines, many schools are set to evaluate Zac during his senior season. Cincinnati, Michigan State, Boston College, Ohio State, Northwester, West Virginia and several MAC schools remain in contact and await senior film.

At 6’2” and 245, the obvious position at the next level is defensive end. The speed to run a 4.70 forty at Scout’s Cincinnati combine shows he can play a number of positions, from linebacker to fullback.

“Some schools say linebacker, some say defensive end. West Virginia said I could be anything from a SAM linebacker to a DT for them. Everyone says it is a matter of how big I get once I get on campus. I’m 245-250 right now. So, they say I could easily get up to 275-280 once I get in the program.”

Because of missing his junior season, the time table is a little different than for many prospects. Most schools are waiting to see him perform during the season before offering. That means waiting until the fall to evaluate options.

“I think I’m going to have to wait until my senior season is over and see who is offering. Then it will be about taking officials and going from there. Honestly, I really don’t know at this point. Because I missed my junior year my schedule is a little different than other guys.

“Right now, I’m just getting ready for summer practice. We have 7-on-7 drills starting soon and then it is getting ready for the season.