2020 OL Hunter Zambrano Readies to Anchor American Heritage Run for Third Consecutive Title

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

There is a word that is synonymous with winning in Florida – American Heritage. Under head coach Patrick Surtain, the Patriots have become a high school football team no one wants to face because no one, seemingly, can beat them. The Patriots last lost a game in 2015 during a 9-2 season but have gone on to win 28 consecutive games over the 2016-17 taking home a 5A state title last season with a 44-15 victory over Baker County. An anchor on the Patriots offensive line getting his first varsity starts this season is Class of 2020 talent Hunter Zambrano (6-4, 290).

Ahead of what could be a third consecutive run at a Florida state championship, and a breakout season for Zambrano, I sat down with the right guard and right tackle to learn more about his offseason workouts and the Patriots fall practices.

*Click link for Nov. 13, 2017, RNG interview with Hunter Zambrano

Interview

Hunter, how did your offseason workouts go?

“They went really well. We are getting a lot stronger. Everyone is working well together, that is the reason why we are so good, all the work we have put in this offseason.”

Which areas of your game did you focus on the most throughout the offseason?

“I worked on technique and pass blocking especially.”

Did you get to max out in the weight room this offseason?

“I maxed on bench. My bench max is 285.”

When fall camp picked up, where were you seeing the biggest improvements in your overall game?

“After working with my offensive line coach every day after practice, I am not opening up as much, I have better depth on my set, and I am taking the right steps for my run blocking. I am getting my hips through and staying low.”

What was fall camp like for the Patriots overall?

“It was really competitive. We have more kids than we’ve had on the team in the last five or six years. There is a lot of competition. The practices are like a game.”

What do you see as the strengths of the team this season?

“The running backs are definitely a strength and the linebackers. The offensive line is getting there.”

Where all will you line up on the field in 2018?

“I am playing right tackle and right guard this year.”

The Patriots started the season off right with a 48-24 win over University (Fort Lauderdale), how did the game go?

“It went well. We pounded them with our run game. Our linebackers and defensive linemen contained their run game. Our QB had some really nice throws against University as well.”

You guys get Carol City (Miami) next, what kind of challenge are you expecting from them?

“We have to do the same with our run game. On defense, we have to defend the pass and stop their run game.”

What other games are you excited to play this season?

“We have a big game in Georgia (Sept. 1) against a team from New Jersey, St. Joseph Regional (Montvale); I am looking forward to that. The Cardinal Gibbons game is another one I am looking forward to playing (Oct. 12).”

Turning to recruiting, which schools are showing interest in you going into your junior season?

“I am talking to some Ivy League schools, UNLV, and I have talked to Nebraska and Mississippi State.”

Do you have any planned visits you might take this fall?

“I am planning on visiting Princeton and some of the Ivy League schools.”

Hunter, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the 2018 season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Zambrano family; Hunter Zambrano fall 2018