Jim Walker
jim.walker@irontontribune.com

CHESAPEAKE — Zach Wright looks like a slick prospect for the Marietta Pioneers.
Wright was looking for a school that had a petroleum engineering program along with football. He found both with the Marietta Pioneers.
“I had the opportunity to play at UVA-Wise and others NAIA schools as well as D2 schools. There were a couple of D1 schools but it was a long shot,” said Wright.
“Nothing against UVA-Wise, but I wanted to pursue my academic career at Marietta and be a petroleum engineer. It’s a big investment but it’s worth it in the long run.”
The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Wright was a Division V All-Southeast Ohio District honorable mention selection and first team All-Ohio Valley Conference.
Wright was a two-way end for the Panthers and is expected to focus on the defensive side of the football for Marietta.
“They’re looking at me as a D-end and I’m weighing 240 right now. I want to get to 250 by summer and if I can do it they’re going to move me down to a three-technique defensive tackle,” said Wright.
Chesapeake head football coach Andy Clark thinks Wright has a high ceiling when he steps up to the next level.
“I think Zach’s best football is still in front of him. He’s still growing,” said Panthers’ head coach Andy Clark. “He’s heavier than he was in football season in a good way.
“Football-wise, he still has a way to go from a footwork and coming off the ball. Those are things you can work on.”
Moving up to the NCAA Division III from high school is a big jump, but Wright has the confidence he can make the adjustment.
“I fit in at second string hopefully. I’m pretty versatile. I can play anywhere they want me. They have a couple of seniors coming back to the D-line. Other than that, I should start this year or next year,” said Wright.
Besides football, Wright also plays baseball for the Panthers and wouldn’t mind playing the sport for the Pioneers.
However, he said football is still first and foremost and he has set a few goals.
“I love baseball and I might try baseball,” said Wright. “But I just want to do as good as I can. It’s a long shot to say (football) All-American, but it would be really nice.”