Diamond in the Rough: Zane Blanchard

Zane Blanchard is a 6’2 250lbs senior left tackle and center at Assumption High School in Napoleonville, Louisiana. Blanchard can bench press 265 and run a 5.2 in the 40-yard dash. His peers consider him an excellent student who prides himself on giving his best effort on and off the football field. Blanchard also played in the Louisiana Gridiron Football bowl game on the offensive line.

When did you start playing football and when did you begin to like playing football?

I started playing at 4 years and I was 6 when I started to like playing football that was when I really got into football.

What is your greatest strength and your greatest weakness?

I take the coaching well; I’m a great learner. My strength is area of concern, but probably keeping my priorities straight.

Who is your biggest motivator?

My mother because from a young age she was able to help me back up whenever I would fail, and I just wanna make her proud whenever I play.

What has football taught you about yourself as a person?

It has definitely taught that maybe I shouldn’t be such a perfectionist and that sometime people mess up. That being a leader isn’t just telling people what to do and that it’s about being up front and honest with everyone.

How do you prepare physically and mentally for a game?

I make sure I take care of myself by eating right and drinking plenty of water. I go through all my plays, scenarios, footwork, and I pray.

What do your coaches say about you?

I was a great teammate and a great leader; they said that it was almost like having another coach out there. They say that I take coaching real well and that I am a smart football player.

Why should colleges recruit you?

I have a 3.5 GPA, I tend to stay out of trouble, and I work diligently at my craft on and off the field. I’m always making sure I’m doing whatever I can to get the job done.

How have you improved since your freshman year of highschool?

I was very raw and aggressive at first, but every year I became more defined. My technique got better, my physical health got better, and I started to learn how to work out. I became a better football player and person which each year.

What did you think about the Louisiana Gridiron Football bowl game you played in recently?

I had a great time; the game itself was a great experience. Everybody benefited from this game; it was great to bring all of these players together. I thought it was run very well, I mean all together it was a pretty fun experience.