Recruiting Report: Zach Cargill (2019)
Every team can use a guy like Zach Cargill. The Maple Lake junior knew his role last season was not going to be one that leads to a huge statistically year. He also played a position that had not been…
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Continue ReadingEvery team can use a guy like Zach Cargill.
The Maple Lake junior knew his role last season was not going to be one that leads to a huge statistically year. He also played a position that had not been his primary spot since junior high. Cargill didn’t complain, and his roll on the Maple Lake team helped the Irish rebound from a slow start to make a third straight extended run in the playoffs.
Despite the slow start, the team came together at the end.
“It was an up and down season,” Cargill admitted. “Some games the offense would play well, and the defense would struggle and vice versa. Then we played well in the playoffs and were up against (Minneapolis) North, and they got a big kick return, and things went sideways from there.”
When things were going well, the Irish were physical.
“We ran down people’s throats, and on defense, we would stop the run to force people to throw, and we got off the field on third downs.”
Cargill had an extended role during his junior year.
“It was my first year starting both ways,” the junior said. “I tried to help the team in any way possible. I don’t care about individual stats. If I don’t play well and we win that is all that matters. I just have to pick it up next game and try to do better.”
Offensively Cargill started at running back.
“I think I can use my speed well but have power too,” Cargill – who likes to spend time on the water – said. “I love the contact and love to hit.”
Obviously, that mindset is perfect for his primary position – strong side outside linebacker. When he is most effective, he is forcing the play back into the inside for teammates to make plays and get the stats but that is just fine with Cargill.
“My job is to set the edge, defend the pass game and get to the quarterback when they ask me to blitz.”
This offseason he has focused strictly on football. He has been starting at outside linebacker since his freshman year and was a backup running back up until this season.
“I have been working on my conditioning. Playing both ways, you can’t get tired.”
Cargill does some type of workout six times a week.
“I have been focused on my lower body,” Cargill told northstarfootballnews.com. “I need more power and more explosiveness from my legs.”
This summer he plans to continue with his workouts and will be going to some camps – mainly at the Division II level.
“Moorhead, Bemidji and University of Mary have been sending me mail,” NFN’s 81st ranked Class of 2019 prospect said, “and St. Thomas has been to my school.”
Cargill thinks he is primarily being recruited as a defensive player but knows it is early in the process.
If he stays on the defensive side of the ball in college a guy, who enjoys doing the dirty work and doesn’t worry about who gets the credit will fit in with any program who will give him a chance.