Zachary Linton, Palo Duro football, Sr.
On the field: The Palo Duro Dons defense has been suffocating especially during District 2-5 Division II play. The Dons defense is holding their opponents to under 100 yards per game during a 4-0 start to league play and have forced 22 turnovers in those matchups. During a 53-10 blowout of Abilene Wylie last Friday, linebacker Zachary Linton shined like he has all season. Coming into his own week by week, Linton was all over the field finishing the game with 16 tackles, 15 of those solo, and four sacks.
On the season, Linton has been tremendous with 82 total tackles and an eye-popping 11.5 sacks.
Head coach Eric Mims: “Zachary plays fast and physical. The guys keep this defense simple and he does a great job of knowing his checks and making adjustments when he needs to. He is the type of linebacker that can get downhill and he has come into his own. Last year he was next to KJ Barnes, so he learned a lot from him. This year, he has taken his game to another level. He is a hybrid type guy you can have at linebacker or put on the edge and you feel his presence on every play.”
Defensive coordinator Dannie Snyder: “We’ve always told Zach to be more aggressive and he has taken that to heart. In the past, he’d hit a guy and they’d still get an inch. Now he ‘s pushing guys back and he’s playing like a Division I type player. He’s producing film that Division I teams should look at and I love how he’s playing. What else I love about him is his humbleness. He plays for his grandmother and you can always count on him.”
Linton: “I think the defense has really come together as a unit and we’ve all banded together. We’re communicating well and everyone is playing fast and at a high level. I think I’ve improved the most by my pass rush and reading the defense. I just love playing football and I love playing on this team.”
About Linton
Favorite band or musician: Youngboy or Morgan Wallen
Favorite social media platform: TikTok
Favorite athlete: Micah Parsons
Bet you didn’t know: He knows jiu jitsu
Grandmother: Cynthia Linton.
