Zach Line prepares to be versatile in NFL

Audio/Story posted April 24, 2013 in CommRadio, Sports, NFL Draft by Patrick Woo

Margus Hunt is prospect that comes to mind when thinking of SMU players in the upcoming NFL Draft, but running back Zach Line is one not to be forgotten.

Line, at 6-foot-1 248 pounds, was recruited as a linebacker after playing both that and running back in high school. At SMU, switching to running back allowed Line to make a quicker and bigger impact on the field for the Mustangs as a relentless power runner. Line also lost weight to improve his quickness and elusiveness.

The tough runner even played with a torn tendon in his foot his junior season. 

Line is far down on the list of top running back prospects but his determination is one reason why he should get a call on draft weekend.

“There’s a difference between guys that just want to get to the league,” Line said, “than there is between a guy that wants to get there and wants to play the sport and loves the game. That’s what I have going for me.”

He also has his linebacker mentality and special teams value going for him.

Line said he’s a “big fan of defense” still as being a linebacker helped him be a better running back. Line said he loves to play on special teams “to get some linebacker action.”

Line may not be a top prospect, but his motto says it all: “The separation is in the preparation.”

Listen to the full interview below where Line also discusses another hidden prospect, SMU-transfer and Eastern Washington quarterback Kyle Padron. 

Patrick Woo is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism, a ComRadio Sports Director and a NFL Draft Show Producer. To contact him, email pwoo3315@gmail.com.