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2022 NFL/CFL Prospect Interview: Zack Fry, OL, Western

Zack Fry the standout offensive lineman from Western recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams
  • Name: Zack Fry 
  • Height: 6’6
  • Weight: 305
  • Position: OL
  • College: Western University
  • Twitter: @zackfry4
  • Instagram: fry_guy4

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I have had an amazing 4 years at Western so far. Growing up in London, I have always wanted to be a Mustang. I am currently majoring in Business, Finance and Administration. I have not participated in any other clubs or activities. I try to focus the majority of my time either in the classroom or on the field.  

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
I think my teammates would say my best qualities are my consistency and my leadership role. I try to set an example for the younger guys to stay constant and keep yourself accountable. I think being someone that others can reach out to and ask questions is a huge quality to have on a team.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set? 
I see myself as a player that you can always count on. I am there every day trying to get better. I think any scheme can fit my skill set. I can excel in the run and or pass game which helps me adapt to playbooks and schemes well. I have found myself playing tackle my whole career and think it can transfer to the next level but have no problem being versatile at the inside positions on the offensive line.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

Although playing against a lot of talented players, the best would have to be Mathieu Betts. He was an all-around player and one of the best in Usports. He had a shot with the Chicago Bears and is now playing for the Edmonton Elks. 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
I think there are many ways to look at how teammates impress or play the game, whether that is physically or mentally. Everyone on our team has shown impressive plays this season so far but Deionte Knight is one of the most physically dominating players I have ever gone against and will catch the eyes of a lot of scouts this upcoming draft. Our center, Elliot Beamer, is the smartest player I have ever played along with. He understands the full game and is a pivotal player in our O-Line and my success.  

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
One time that sticks out to me is breaking my thumb in grade 8. It was the first major injury I have ever encountered and kept me away from playing hockey for many months. It caused me to get cut from the hockey team and lit a flame for me to push and get better than I ever was. It was a blessing in disguise because I adventured into other sports such as football causing me to never look back  

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
If I was not playing football, I would be playing hockey. I grew up playing hockey my whole life, from about age 4 to my senior year in high school. It will always be a passion of mine and those skills have translated to the football field with footwork. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
My biggest achievement would be making the U18 Team Canada football team. It was such a surreal moment being selected and being able to represent my country on the big stage and have the opportunity to play at AT&T Stadium. It’s something I will always cherish and remember for the rest of my life.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
I don’t necessarily have the most memorable play but rather a game. Playing in the Vanier Cup against Laval in my first year was such a cool experience. Playing in a national championship in front of a sold-out stadium is such a rush. Also, playing against a player like Mathieu Betts, who has the talent to make an NFL roster, and hold my own was eye opening. 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I don’t really have a favorite athlete, but my favorite team is the Miami Dolphins. My dad has always been a Dolphins fan, and I was kind of born into the culture. I always looked up to Joe Thomas, he was such a staple for the Browns and was always the most dependable player on the field. But I also look up to Quenton Nelson for that extra energy he has always brought to the field. 

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
I don’t really have a favorite artist. I tend to listen to a lot of different stuff whether that’s country, rap or EDM. A go to pump up song before a football game will always be Dreams and Nightmares by Meek Mill or Burn It to the Ground by Nickelback. 

What is your favorite comfort food?
My favorite comfort food would have to be Domino’s Pizza. It’s always the first thing that will pop up in my mind when I’m hungry. It’s something you can never go wrong with. 

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite TV show would either be “The Office” or “Parks and Rec”. I love a good comedy and could watch those shows over and over again. I’m not a huge movie guy but again a comedy like Step Brothers will always be my go-to.  

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time I like to hang out with friends and relax. I’ve recently picked up golf. That has been a passion this last summer, hoping to get a little better next summer though. 

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I started playing football because of my dad. He pushed me to join the team in Grade 9 as he said it was one of his favorite memories from high school. I wear #67 because it was the number he wore when he played. My family motivates me the most and with that is also the most supportive. I know they believe in me and are always so excited when I have a good game or we win. They are always at every home game and cheer me on no matter how cold or how much it is raining out.

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