Interview: 2018 Iowa OG Zach Ross Prepping for Senior Season of Ironman Football
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
Dynasties in sports are a rarity. When teams in any sport string together a run of dominance there is a mixed reaction of awe from the fans and where the rest of the field wants to knock said team off their perch. The victorious that have become the hunted is Dowling Catholic High School.
The Des Moines area squad has strung together four consecutive Iowa 4A state titles making the football team one part the hunter and one part the hunted. One of the key contributors to Dowling’s success over the past two seasons has been Zach Ross. Ross was the starting right guard for the Maroon’s 13-0 season in 2015. In 2016, the 6-3, 295 pound, lineman started clocking time in on the other side of the ball at defensive tackle, but make no mistake, Ross is nasty offensive lineman at heart.
Watching Ross play, one quickly gains an appreciation for his game but at the same rate feels sorry for the opposition. Play after play Ross does his job and does it well racking up pancake blocks punishing an opposing lineman or linebacker with a 295 pound pounce making the defender a soft landing. College coaches are starting to gain an appreciation for Ross’ play as well with interest stirring from programs like Arkansas, Michigan State, Cincinnati, Kansas State, and Nebraska. In-state programs Iowa State and Iowa have taken turns hosting Ross on unofficial visits potentially setting up another all too familiar recruiting battle in the Hawkeye State.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive, I sat down with Ross covering his junior campaign, off-season plans, and recruitment to date.
Interview
Zach, in 2016 you played on both sides of the ball. Did you have an idea that you would be playing ironman football your junior season?
“No, but we did not have depth. I took the role and went in when the team needed it.”
How did you prepare for your junior season?
“We have a great workout program. I did a lot of lifting, speed, and agility work. I also went to some camps.”
Did you have the kind of junior season you wanted?
“I did. It was great, a great season. I achieved all of my goals and we won a state championship.”
How did your skills as an offensive lineman get better this season?
“I got stronger, more physical on the field, quicker off the ball, and played smarter. I was also better with my technique.”
Between your run and pass set, which is your best?
“I’d say run blocking, we do more of that.”
You got a lot of pancake blocks this season, did you guys tally how many pancake blocks you had?
“No we did not count them.”
You handle opposing linemen effectively. Do you remember your off-season weight room totals?
“We actually maxed out last week. My bench is 365, squat 565, and my deadlift is 555. My vertical is 27.”
All really impressive.
“Thank you.”
I know you took unofficial visits to Iowa State and Iowa during the season. How did your trips to Iowa State go?
“They were fun. They had a new coach (Matt Campbell). It was a great experience to see how it started with him from Game 1 to the end. The games are wild and they have a good fan base. They have really good fan bases at both colleges (Iowa and Iowa State).”
You also took several visits to Iowa. Which Hawkeyes games did you see this season?
“Miami (OH), Iowa State, and Nebraska.”
How did your trips to Iowa go?
“Honestly, my visits to both schools were fun. Iowa is a little further away but both schools have been fun visits. Both have great fan bases.”
With the visits you have made to the college programs, what have you learned about the next level that has helped your mental and/or physical preparation?
“It is an everyday thing. You have to love the game to play college sports. It is every day non-stop. You have to be in shape and love it.”
You have an offer from Iowa State, how did that come about for you?
“I went up there my sophomore year. I sat down with Coach Campbell and they offered me a scholarship.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you but have not offered you yet?
“One of Indiana’s coaches has been in contact with me on Twitter. I get mail from Cincinnati, Arkansas, Kansas State, Michigan State, and Nebraska.”
Do you have any upcoming unofficial visits planned?
“Not right now.”
What is your cumulative GPA?
“I have a 3.0.”
Have you taken the SAT or ACT yet?
“No, not yet.”
Are you playing any spring sports for Dowling?
“No. I’m focused on football and lifting.”
Are there any bowl games you are excited to see coming up?
“Iowa, the Alabama verses Washington game, and Ohio State-Clemson game.”
Zach, thanks for your time today. Good luck with your off-season workouts.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: whotv.com; Dowling Catholic celebrates 2016 championship
Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 75 Zach Ross celebrates a touchdown
Photo credit: scout.com; No. 75 Zach Ross at Iowa State