After playing football as a Wildcat since seventh grade, Oxford High School senior Zach Line has decided to continue his sports career at the college level.
The 17-year-old officially signed his letter of intent today to play football for the Southern Methodist University Mustangs in Dallas, TX.
Oxford’s 1st Team All-State linebacker originally planned to attend the University of Hawaii under the guidance of coach June Jones, who miraculously turned their 0-12 record to 9-4 during his time on the island.
But when Jones decided to work his magic in the Lone Star state, Line was sure he’d follow him. With SMU’s not so shinning record of 1-11, Line said he knows Jones could turn it around.
‘I want to be a part of turning SMU’s record around,? he said. ‘So, it’ll be cool to be a part of that.?
Jones has had numerous conversations with Line about playing for SMU after watching a video of the teen in action on the field.
Line visited the ‘beautiful? campus last month where Jones offered him a full-ride scholarship. He will be studying business while at SMU. ‘I’m excited about that,? he said.
What the 6?1? and 210-pound player loves most about the game of football is that it’s a team sport. He said he’s not nervous about playing college ball because he was well trained by Oxford Varsity Football Coach Bud Rowley for the last three years. ‘I think he’s a great role model and he’s prepared me well,? he said.
While playing for Oxford, Line has recorded more than 300 tackles in his last two seasons and has rushed over 1,700 yards during his senior year. Line’s considered the best offensive and defensive player in the Flint Metro League.
He’s also an All-State wrestler and was recently selected to play for the East in the Michigan High School All-Star football game in July at Michigan State University.
Although Line probably won’t be hitting the field this fall for SMU, he’ll definitely be ready for whatever is thrown at him next year.