More Than A Number: Zach "Big Z" Strief Part II
Last year we were blessed to have an outstanding tailback in Herron. As I look at this year’s depth chart I see smaller tailbacks that will get to carry the ball this year. I’m thinking Jordan, Roberson, and maybe others including freshmen. From an Offensive lineman’s perspective, what do you see that smaller backs can bring to the game? And as someone pretty ignorant on blocking schemes, I have to ask, would the blocking or blocking schemes be fashioned differently?
Zach:
I think one of the most obvious things is it is extremely hard for the
defense to find small backs. When your offensive line averages 6'5" and
your tailback is 5'8" he's hard to find. Those guys will all be solid
whoever gets the nod. IF there is one thing we can claim it’s that we can
reload at tailback. In terms of a blocking scheme, it doesn't change for us
at all. It may change play callings slightly, but not blocking schemes.
Zach, you seemed to really flourish under Randy Walker. Can you comment on your experience of playing for Randy Walker?
Zach:
I think that Coach Walker has been good for me the past few years. He
has definitely pushed me far past where I thought I could go physically. He
is probably the most demanding person I’ve ever met. I can't say I always
agree with what he does, but I know I can always respect what he has us do.
He's been in this a lot longer than I have so it's hard not too. I
certainly wouldn't ever regret coming to Northwestern. I feel I've been
successful here and I really believe that I am leaving a better person that
I arrived and Coach Walker is a big reason for that.
You seem to be a very focused and very determined person, is there a combination of things or any one single thing that makes you tick?
Zach:
I don't know that there is a certain thing that makes me tick. I have a
really strange fear of letting people down which is probably extremely
helpful in football. I never have wanted to let someone else down due to
lack of effort or ability so I try to find a way not too. I've gotten Baz
hit probably 3 or 4 times in the last 3 years (though never sacked) and it
makes me sick to my stomach every time. I can't deal with it at all. I
think that makes me a stronger player.
You decided 4 years ago that NU offered you an opportunity to realize the things you saw as important in your life. Looking back now, can you tell us about your NU experience?
Zach:
Northwestern offers you some unique opportunities many having to do with
your degree. It's also ironic that the degree that brought me here keeps
many talented guys out. I guess when it comes right down to it I was able
to surround myself with special people. People with incredible talents and
intelligence. I was just hoping something rubbed off at some point. It
might not always be the most entertaining place, but it is my home and I
love it here.
You and other players got involved and encouraged my son Joey in his battle with lymphoblastic lymphoma. I know you guys don’t usually talk about the things you do off the field because you don’t want any credit, but could you tell us some of the things NU players have done in the community?
Zach:
There are hospital trips where we go through the children’s hospital and
visit with kids, go to schools to read and talk about life, in very lucky
situation like Joey’s we actually get to spend time with the really special
people in the world and get humbled when we see how much stronger some
children are then we ever will be. Being able to do that stuff is far more
rewarding than anything we could ever do on the field.
I know you are a much focused young guy and focused on this football year but considering your father is a big Sturgis attendee, do you ever see yourself, after your college and NFL career, riding a Harley with him out to Sturgis?
Zach:
I will absolutely be attending Sturgis with my dad some day. We've
talked about it tons of times and it is something I will be looking forward
too greatly when football is over.
Is there anything you would like to say to the fans?
Turk: Tune in later since this question is Part III of the interview. I will post Zach's answer no later than Monday evening [July 25]. The subject of internet fan postings come up.