2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Zach Larsen, OL, Southern Utah University

Student-Athlete Profile:

• Zach Larsen
• Southern Utah University
• OL
• 6’1”
• 310lbs.
• Hometown: Draper, UT
• Twitter: @zachlarsen58

2018 Accolades & Statistics:

• 2018 Big Sky Football All-Conference First Team.
• 2018 Walter Camp Football Foundation All-American Team.
• Phil Steele’s 2018 FCS Postseason All-American Third Team.
• 2018 Big Sky Fall All-Academic Football.
• GP: 11

As an athlete, what is your motivation?

To play the game I love. I don’t know how long I will have the opportunity to play this game so I am going to go out there and play like every snap is my last. I feel like God has blessed me with a lot of talent for this game and to not go out and use it would be disrespectful.

What defines success for you?

Getting better every day. Being able to see the progression in all you do. You are going to have some ups and downs but are you consistently going up is the question to ask yourself. My coach always tells us, “when you are green you grow, when you are ripe you rot.” You always have to have that mentality to be successful, never be satisfied and always do more. That is when you are successful.

What would your teammates say about the type of teammate you are?

Strong lead by example type of guy. You will always find me doing the right thing if you need an example of what to do right you can turn to me. But also, not afraid to get things corrected when needed. I’m a finisher. My teammates expect to see multiple pancakes each game.

What are some of your personal “rules” that you never break?

God and family are above everything else. Don’t compare yourself, you are who you are, so go and be the best you.

Who is the toughest player you’ve competed against during your collegiate career?

Jay-Tee Tiuli, Eastern Washington, now with the Seahawks.

Currently, who is the best player in the NFL?

Aaron Donald.

What is your team of choice on Madden, why?

Honestly, I don’t play video games, so I couldn’t tell you. If I did it would have to be the Cowboys. I have always been a Cowboys fan.

Failure is inevitable in life. How do you handle situations that don’t go in your favor?

Michael Jordan said it best, “I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.” I know I am going to fail. I look at failure as an opportunity to grow. If you are afraid to fail you will never be able to push yourself.

Is there a current/former NFL player that you model your game after?

There are a couple of centers that I really like to watch and learn from. One is my brother, Tyler Larsen, with the Panthers. He has taught me a lot and I love to learn from him. I also really like watching and learning from Alex Mack from the Falcons, Jason Kelce from the Eagles and Travis Frederick from the Cowboys.

Knowing what you do now, what would you go back and tell yourself as a High-School Freshman?

Do more. You have to constantly be asking yourself if you are doing everything you can to be the best you. You have to do more every day. Everybody goes to weights with their team, but what are you doing to set yourself above the rest?

What is your go-to restaurant near campus?

All American Diner. A Cedar City classic! Gotta love it.

If your life was a book, what would its title be?

“Too Blessed to be Stressed.” A quote from Jon Gordon’s “The Energy Bus.”

What song or artist do you like but rarely admit to liking?

Zac Brown Band.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, living or deceased, who would it be and why?

Jon Gordon. I love the books he writes. He is an amazing motivational speaker and the positive energy that he has is amazing. Positive energy is a very important key to this life, and Jon Gordon is the master at this.

Forty-years from now, what do you want to be remembered for?

A great family man. My family is the most important thing to me. I can be good at football and successful with it, but if I don’t have my wife and family, I am nothing.

In 15 words or less, why should an NFL team invest in you?

Average is the enemy of excellence. I strive to be excellent in all I do.