2023 Player Spotlight/interview with Zach O’Bryant from Rock Hill High School

[LICKING COUNTY FAN]

Zach O’Bryant

Rock Hill High School

Positions played

Tight end/Defensive end

Class

2025

What did you learn about yourself during the 2022 season that you will use this season to be a better player?

We had a big graduating class last year and lost a lot of leaders, on top of that we have a small senior class this year so it’s really on the class of 25 to step up and be the leaders this year.

What are your personal goals for this season?

This year I want to work hard to be a leader and improve on and off the field.

The Redmen are coming off a 5-6 record, including blowout losses to end things. What must you guys do to have a better season and a deeper playoff run?

I think this year we have to continue to just build on our big wins last year and get better and win as many games as we can.

Which side of the ball do you think you're best at?

Definitely, the defensive side, mainly because the last couple of years I haven’t seen as many snaps on the offensive side but i definitely tend to do better on the defensive side.

What are you looking most forward to this season?

Being able to build on what we were able to accomplish last year and I believe with this sophomore class coming behind us we have a young team that will definitely be exciting to watch.

What do you believe is the greatest challenge high school athletes face today?

With the other options available I think it’s easy for people to get distracted and lose focus.

What have been your favorite and least favorite moments as an athlete?

My favorite memories as a high school athlete definitely come from winning games that no one expected us to win. As for my least favorite, being competitive in games and then just not being able to finish.

Is there a pro or college player you pattern your game after? If so, Who?

I try to model my game after JJ Watt. He had a similar experience as I did being moved from tight end to defensive end and having to put the work in to get better at the position just to help his team.

Which strengths do you believe you have that make you a great athlete?

I think that the aggressiveness on the edge helps me make the plays that otherwise are hard to get to.

Where should the state finals be held?

I think it’d be cool to play in the “shoe” at Ohio State mainly because the stadium has meant so much to the sport in Ohio for so long.

What are your thoughts on 16 teams qualifying for the playoffs from each region?

It gives more of a March madness aspect to the playoffs allowing for an underdog to create their Cinderella story.

If you could pick one new team for Rock Hill to play, who would it be and why?

I can’t really think of one. Right now I’m preparing for this season and the games on this schedule.

What is the strangest food that you have ever eaten?

Probably Hawaiian pizza. The concept of pineapple on pizza still doesn’t make sense.

What is your favorite genre of music?

I usually listen to older country like Waylon and Hank Sr. But if I’m listening to new music it’s more like Zach Bryan and Tyler Childers.

What was the last book you read?

Probably our playbook but if we’re talking actual books then “To Kill a Mockingbird.”