By Ashley Hargrove
This is the sixth installment of The News Courier series featuring Limestone County’s top leaders on the gridiron. Players were chosen by their coaches for leadership on and off the field and in the classroom.
TANNER — Zach Draper and his older brother Amos may be different in a lot of ways, but one thing they have in common is leadership on the football field.
Amos graduated and is playing Division I football at Arkansas State, so the leadership role he brought to the Tanner program is passed to Zach. And while he admits he feels a little pressure, Zach said he doesn’t mind.
“It’s kind of good they look at me as a leader,” Zach said. “But it’s a little pressure in a way because they expect a lot out of me being an upperclassman. I don’t mind it though.”
Because of the qualities Zach has demonstrated on and off the field, he has been selected to The News Courier’s list of Limestone Leaders. Amos received the honor last season.
“Zach brings a consistency and leadership to the team,” said Tanner head coach Laron White. “He’s a big guy that’s been starting for us since ninth grade. He never missed a workout this summer. He brings a lot of leadership to the table and that’s what we need.”
With the season fast approaching, Zach said he’s ready to get his senior year underway, but not without a goal in mind.
“I want to be able to execute on every one of my blocks,” Zach said.
Zach and the Rattlers kick off their season a week from Friday when they travel to New Hope.
