Film Don't Lie | Preston Zinter
New England hasn’t been known as a region that has produced a ton of college football talent in the past, but that’s changed recently with more and more national recruits from the area. Preston Zinter is another one and the latest from the area to commit to Notre Dame.
Though he isn’t playing against elite competition, it’s not hard to see why he’s an exciting prospect when you turn on the film. He’s a two-way standout that could project to multiple positions for the Irish.
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 220
Projected Position: Linebacker or Vyper
ISD Grade: 90 (4-star)
National Average Grade: 89.3 (3-star)
What he does best:
Zinter is a physical football player. You see that on offense as a blocker when he’s lined up at tight end or receiver and you see that on defense with the way he plays at the point of attack. How many linebackers meet an iso block like this from a lineman and are able to shed and make the tackle?
I really like what he’s shown as a pass rusher. Here he is as a sophomore out of a three point stance getting after the quarterback. The initial twitch is what stands out the most.
He has a great motor. This sack only happens because of his relentless effort.
Zinter can block. He can catch. He can run. He displays good block destruction. He’s a pure football player and he’s also a good athlete who can avoid a cut block and react to bat down the football.
What he needs to improve:
He plays as an edge for his high school and there are only a few instances of seeing him play off the ball. The way he moves on offense suggests he is athletic enough to play in coverage as an inside linebacker, but he hasn’t done much of it. That’s something I’d like to see more of.
If he ends up as an edge defender in college, he’s not going to have the longest levers for that spot so playing with quick and heavy hands will be a must for him on a consistent basis.
What’s his ceiling?
I’m a big fan of this pickup for Notre Dame. His position might not be set, but he is that kind of big skill athlete who programs want more of on defense.
I know they are recruiting him as a linebacker, but I think he might be more of a long term fit at Vyper and he reminds me quite a bit of Kahanu Kia, a player who impressed after moving there when he arrived on campus. If Zinter doesn’t end up there, I could see him rushing the passer there in sub-packages.
I think he’ll take some time to physically and technically develop, but he has the traits to become a quality multi-year starter for Notre Dame.
Who he could be:
My recent college football comparison would be former Minnesota edge defender Carter Coughlin, but my Hit and Hustle partner Greg Flammang threw out former linebacker/pass rusher Rocky Boiman as a Notre Dame comparison and I think it’s a good one.