With the early signing period for high school football players beginning on December 18, Badgers Insider takes a closer look at the recruits that signed with the Wisconsin football program.
In this edition, we examine Southern Columbia (PA) High School inside linebacker Preston Zachman.
Note: All notes and stats provided by uwbadgers.com
Zachman chose Wisconsin over other offers from: Air Force, Army, Kent State, and Temple
Zachman’s High School Accolades: Three–star recruit by 247 Sports, ESPN and Rivals…Led Southern Columbia to 16–0 record and 888–82 scoring margin as a senior in 2019…Part of three state championship teams at Southern Columbia, finishing with record of 63–1
Zachman’s Impact as a Badger: Zachman came on Wisconsin’s radar during one of the Badgers summer football camps this past June as his performance gave the Badgers coaching staff something to think about.
Although Zachman didn’t immediately receive an offer from Wisconsin following his summer camp performance the Badgers officially extended an offer to him this past September as it took him a day to commit to the Badgers.
The question is where does Zachman end up playing for the Badgers? Zachman was announced as an inside linebacker by Wisconsin but he also could end up lining at safety or on the offensive side of the football at fullback.
The coaching staff should have a plan for Zachman once he arrives on campus as it will be up to them to figure out his best position and where he can have the most success.
Although Zachman’s position versatility is an asset it seems likely he’ll wind up at linebacker. Zachman lined up at quarterback for his high school football team and given Wisconsin’s track record of taking high school quarterbacks and turning them into successful linebackers has been impressive with the latest example being redshirt senior Zack Baun.
Regardless of the position that Zachman lines up at for Wisconsin he’ll need a year to redshirt. As that redshirt year will allow him the chance to focus solely on one position to learn and to gain comfort in it. A task he should have success in considering his work ethic and IQ as he held offers from Air Force and Army.
Zachman is a type of player Wisconsin has had success with in the past as he’ll find a way to contribute for Wisconsin. Whether that’s on offense, defense, or on special teams it may not be right away but he will earn himself a role and whatever role he does earn he’ll have success.