FAYETTEVILLE — The lone linebacker commit in Arkansas’ 2019 recruiting class is having a big season after making a move from safety.
Richmond (Texas) Fort Bend Travis defender Zach Zimos (6-4, 220, 4.59) has 76 tackles - 53 of those unassisted - along with three tackles for lost yardage, a sack, an interception, two pass deflections, two fumble recoveries and has also caught three passes for 60 yards.
Zimos and Fort Bend Travis, who beat Fort Bend Clemente 62-34 last weekend, are 6-2 heading into Thursday’s game with Fort Bend Kempner.
“I feel like I can always work on getting faster, getting stronger and working on my technique and want to be perfect at that, but I think the transition from safety to outside linebacker and inside linebacker has gone well for me,” Zimos said. “It’s been fun.
“I have added a lot of cool things to my game and I get to make the most out of it. I like being closer to the line of scrimmage, getting to make plays and being in the backfield.”
Zimos, who was originally committed to California, chose Arkansas on July 28 over Missouri, Texas Tech, Purdue, California, Boise State and others.
The Razorbacks’ struggle-filled 2-7 season under first-year head coach Chad Morris has not changed his pledge.
“I think what I have seen is each game they have improved in some area and that is all you can ask for,” Zimos said. “Maybe when we come in things can start getting turned around and we can have the program where it needs to be soon.”
Zimos is a part of a 2019 class that has 22 pledges and is ranked 12th nationally by Rivals.
“I definitely think that is about the coaching staff and how they are all the real deal,” Zimos said. “All the recruits that are committed know what they are going to get and know that they should come ready to compete for playing time right away.
“We are all wanting to get there, play early and compete against the best of the best in the SEC West. We are all solidly committed and know what we are going to do and it is going to be something special.”
The Tigers have won three games by a touchdown or less, have blown out several teams and also suffered losses to Richmond Foster (52-38) and to district-leading Missouri City Ridge Point (49-42).
“It seems like we have really come together when it is a close game and win by a touchdown or so,” Zimos said. “We have pulled through them and a good record right now going into this week and into the playoffs.”
The loss to Ridge Point (7-1, 5-0) has Fort Bend Travis (6-2, 4-2) looking from the outside in on a district title right now.
“We are second with two games left, but losing again really hurt us and I don’t see them losing any time soon,” Zimos said. “It sucks, but it is what it is.”