Zettel’s legend blooms
CHICAGO — The tales of Anthony Zettel’s athletic feats might have no limit.
So far the stories of Penn State’s 6-foot-4, 284-pound defensive tackle include driving a golf ball 300-plus yards, whipping a football almost as far as quarterback Christian Hackenberg, roundhouse kicks on the heavy bag in the weight room and throwing down dunks in
pickup basketball games. He beat Hackenberg in golf recently by what Zettel recalls as two strokes, though he said neither played their best.
There’s also a viral video of Zettel tackling a tree in the woods at home in Michigan and his recent hole in one, the second of his career.
“I did a 300-yard sprint around the hole,” Zettel said Friday at Big Ten Conference media days. His 155yard shot came on a par 3 where he used his pitching wedge after losing his gap wedge. “It took me a while to recover from that [sprint].”
A year ago this West Branch, Mich., native moved inside to defensive tackle and burst onto the scene, compiling a stat line every bit bizarre as some of his off-field hobbies, which include velociraptor impersonations and watching the sci-fi movie “Avatar,” one that Zettel said tapped into his imagination and “changed his life.”
In 2014, he led the team in sacks (8), tackles for a loss (17) and tied for a team-best interceptions (3), one of which he ran back for a 40yard touchdown against Ohio State.
He no longer is an unknown as he enters his senior season. Zettel was a member of the Big Ten’s 11person preseason players-towatch list and found his name on just about every preseason watch list. He will anchor a Penn State defensive line that includes Austin Johnson, a 6-foot-4, 323-pounder who also can help give Penn State one of the best interior groups in Division I-A.
Johnson is one of the few Nittany Lions to beat Zettel in any off-field challenge, topping him in a trick-shot competition that teammates say Johnson won’t let his friend live down.
“Having to block pretty much a D-end who is paying inside makes it a lot harder,” Michigan State center Jack Allen said of Zettel’s quickness.
“They’re both really talented D-linemen, and I think they have probably one of the top D-lines in the Big Ten.”
Franklin said he’s not sure what one would be without the other, but maybe he’ll never have to find out. Johnson, a junior, could jump into the NFL draft after this season. Zettel’s NFL aspirations aren’t a top focus right now as he tries to keep his eye on this season, knowing one won’t happen without the other.
For now, he’s living in the moment, with eight roommates who are “awesome dudes,” playing pickup basketball and doing all that makes him unique on and off the field.
“He’s somewhat strange in a very lovable way,” Franklin said.
“He’s aggressive. He’s popular. The guys really like him. He’s one of those guys you love to have on your team because he keeps it light and he keeps it interesting.”