Zak Zinter has been the best player on Michigan’s best positional unit for three years. Michigan’s offensive line became the first back-to-back Joe Moore Award winners last season and Zinter was an integral part in both campaigns.
Back for his final season in the maize and blue, Zinter leads what could be Michigan’s most formidable front five yet. Although the positions have not yet been solidified across the line, the open competition and experience of 10+ capable players have offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Sherrone Moore clearing up more space on his trophy shelf.
But this time, it’s for something 26 years in the making.
One of the top interior offensive line prospects for the 2024 NFL draft suffered a serious injury in the final weekend of the college regular season. Michigan offensive guard Zak Zinter went down early in the Wolverines’ rivalry game win over Ohio State.
Zinter suffered a broken tibia and fibula when he got rolled up from behind while run-blocking. His left leg was placed in an air cast and Zinter left the field on a cart.
Generally projected in the 50-100 overall range prior to the injury, it remains to be seen how the nasty broken leg impacts Zinter’s draft stock. The All-American and team captain will miss the postseason workout circuit. The typical recovery time for an injury like his carries a timeline of 7-to-9 months. At the most optimistic, that pushes Zinter out until at least the onset of training camps.