CLINTON, S.C. - Ever since Zach Switzer first put on a helmet, he knew that he wanted to play the sport for as long as he could. "I love running [with the football]," Switzer commented when I recently sat down with him for an interview.


After playing varsity football at Summit High in Tennessee, Zach decided that he wanted to play collegiately. He started his college football career at the University of Memphis, before transferring to Presbyterian College three years ago. PC's coaching staff and beautiful campus had a major impact on his decision. "We [have] a great coaching staff…and I came on a visit here and loved the campus." Zach found in the football program a way to develop athletically and continue to play his favorite sport.


Zach's love for football has certainly translated to the field. The Blue Hose running back has recorded 877 total yards of offense so far this season, with as many carries through six games as he had in total last year. Not to mention, Switzer leads the team in touchdowns, with 11, and ranks fifth in the nation with an average of seven yards per attempt. Zach was also named the Adidas/Game One Student-Athlete of the Week, following PC's recent victory over Morehead State.


With all these accolades, it would be easy for a player to become self-centered. That is not the case with Zach Switzer. Zach acknowledges that mentors have a significant impact on an athlete's success. He gives the biggest credit to his parents. "My mom and dad have always believed in me and pushed me to pursue my dreams," Switzer said, "I've always used them as my bedrock…[during] tough times."


Along with his mom and dad, Zach has received some valuable insights from his grandad Barry Switzer. Coach Switzer had a very successful playing and coaching career, which included winning championships with the Oklahoma Sooners and Dallas Cowboys and coaching both teams for a combined twenty years. Zach didn't even realize that his grandadwas a famous coach until high school. Once he realized Barry's impact on the game, Switzer valued his grandad's approval even more. "A part of me was motivated by his opinion…he's a great man, and I love him."


Another important guide for Zach has been his trust in God. "I rely a lot on faith…[I'm] a big believer in the idea that God has a plan for me." Zach explained that this allows him to feel less anxious when faced with adversity. Relying on God relieves Switzer's pressure to perform on the field and in life. Zach's reliance on faith and family has helped him develop into the record-breaking running back that he is today.


However, success hasn't always come easy for Zach. During the spring of his sophomore year at Memphis, he sprained his ankle at football practice. While Zach understood that he was fortunate to not have suffered a worse injury, it was a tough setback. Having devoted himself to becoming one of the Tigers' starters that fall, spending time on the sidelines for multiple weeks was disappointing. Switzer had worked throughout the offseason to build into a better player, only for his development to be unexpectedly cut short.


Zach remarked, "I loved my teammates at the time…but at the same time you're seeing your potential and your spot taken away." One of the most important lessons that Zach learned during that adversity was the need to maintain a positive mindset. According to Switzer, the key to this attitude was the realization that he couldn't control everything in life.


"When you're in control, you feel safe, but you have to be at peace with not having that all of the time." Zach realized that, even though he couldn't control life's challenges, as long as he relied on his faith and family, he would persevere. Soon after his injury, Zach decided to transfer to Presbyterian College, a decision that has worked out well for both the Blue Hose program and him personally.


Zach Switzer's story shows that no one can succeed in life alone. It is important to lean on the support network around us, during times of victory and defeat. Zach's success on the football field is thanks to the coaches, mentors, and family that have helped him along the way. These positive influences have allowed him to excel in football and in life.