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| Credit: Zak Zinter/Instagram |
Michigan's star offensive lineman, Zak Zinter, suffered a severe left leg injury during Saturday's game. The incident occurred late in the third quarter when Zinter's leg buckled while blocking on an 18-yard pass, leaving the crowd in shock and players urgently signaling for medical assistance.
Quick Response
As the medical cart swiftly entered the field, the crowd chanted support for Zak, who was loaded onto the cart and transported to a local hospital. Acting head coach Sherrone Moore, also Michigan's offensive line coach, shared that he spoke with Zinter's mother and received some "positive news" regarding the injury.
The Aftermath
Blake Corum, Michigan's running back, scored on the ensuing play, dedicating the touchdown to Zinter by holding up the numbers six and five. Zinter, who has made 42 starts and missed only one game in his Wolverines career, received an outpouring of support from his teammates.
Emotional Unity
Corum expressed his emotional connection with Zinter, stating, "Zak’s my guy. He’s another guy who came back for unfinished business." Quarterback J.J. McCarthy added, "It was spiritual, honestly, just like seeing that... a different drive that came out of everybody when that happened."
Here’s the Zak Zinter video. #MichiganState #OhioState pic.twitter.com/EeK2603Vdo
— Tom (@TomUlloaa) November 25, 2023
Zinter's Achievements and Impact
Zinter, a senior from North Andover, Massachusetts, is a third-year starter and a crucial part of Michigan's offensive line. He earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2022 and second-team honors in 2021. Zinter played a pivotal role in securing consecutive Joe Moore Awards for Michigan as the nation’s top offensive line. Despite the setback, Zinter's teammates are confident in his comeback, hailing him as "one of the best guards in the nation."
Team Adjustments
Following Zinter's injury, right tackle Karsen Barnhart shifted to the right guard spot, and senior Trente Jones entered the game at right tackle. The team rallied together, demonstrating their resilience in the face of adversity.
Road to Recovery
Coach Moore remains optimistic about Zinter's recovery, stating, "He’ll heal, and he’ll be ready to go down the road at some point." As the Michigan Wolverines push forward in their season, they carry the spirit of Zak Zinter with them, anticipating his return to the field stronger than ever.
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