After most Penn State football home games you could find running back Zach Zwinak hunched over in a corner of the media room with one of his limbs wrapped in ice. Not a shifty or particularly speedy runner, Zwinak earned his years the old fashion way, bone bruising hits that took their toll on his 6-foot-1, 234 pound frame.
So in many ways the spring practice session has been a welcome sight, as well as the support and knowledge he has gotten from fellow backs Bill Belton and redshirt freshman Akeel Lynch.
“The biggest difference is that it hurts much less (after practice),” Zwinak said. “In games, people are out there trying to hit me and we take big hits. During practice, we’re taking care of each other. Offense and defense, we’re not hitting each other big time. We’re taking every opportunity to play fast and hard but still learn without a lot of contact.”
Even though Zwinak’s body might appreciate the rest, that doesn’t mean one of the Big Ten conferences’ most consistent running threats isn’t ready to knock helmets. But as he has learned from his teammates, sometimes being able to make a defender miss is the best option.
“Though I’ve been sticking to my style, one thing Coach London is emphasizing is trying to avoid bigger hits to increase longevity and to keep my body healthy the whole season and not wear down too early,” Zwinak said.
“Bill and Akeel, they’re a little more agile. But I’m learning. They’re helping me out and watching them helps teach me how to avoid people.”
Zwinak ran for a 1,000 yards last season after starting the year buried in the depth chart. The departure of running back Silas Redd to USC opened the door and Zwinak barged right through.
Penn State coach Bill O’Brien has said from the start of spring practice that Zwinak is his top option, but that doesn’t mean Lynch and Belton won’t see playing time or push Zinack to get better and better.
“We all take even reps. We’re all getting a fair chance,” Zwinak said. “They are great players. It’s been a tough competition. But as much competition as there is, we’ve helped each other out and it’s been a good spring. Each practice, you have to come out and perform, because any given day one of those could get that spot.”
“I’m fortunate enough to be there now. But each day I have to compete because they are great players.”
