- Name: Zachary Szabo
- Position(s): DL/QB
- Height/weight: 6’2” 210 lbs.
- GPA: 3.7
- Jersey #: 7
- School & Class- C.B. West 2026
- Key Stats: recorded 26 tackles and 3.5 TFLs
- Awards: None Yet
- Hudl Link: Zach Szabo
- Favorite NFL team: Eagles
- Quote from the head coach: “From a defensive standpoint, Zach is that Guy. he went from backup QB to DE and had a phenomenal offseason. He is truly a selfless player. He is intelligent and has a high football IQ. He put in the work, and he is a real big leader for us.”
On-Field Focus
What’s your proudest moment on the football field for CB West this season or in your career?
“To be completely honest, my proudest moment in football was being named team captain this past offseason. After learning from so many great leaders as an underclassman with the program, it means a ton to be handed this new responsibility. To me, it means more than any specific play; it means your team relies on you and trusts you.”
Describe a play where you made a game-changing impact. What was going through your mind?
“There was a play in the beginning of the second round of the playoffs against Downingtown West, where I crossed the center’s face to make a good TFL with Nick Miletto and the play set the tone for the game.”
What’s the toughest part of playing DL & QB, and how do you prepare for each?
“(For DL/QB) The toughest part is trying to remain versatile, as they are 2 very different positions. You have to stay on top of things to remain competent in both positions, trying to maintain size and strength for DL, while not being too slow and bulky for QB. But more so mentally, you have to keep your cool and set the pace of the game at QB, but you have to embrace your emotions and let them flow for DL.”
Which NFL player do you model your game after, and what do you admire about them?
“Even though I don’t play his position, I really admire the way Larry Fitzgerald approached the game. His humble mentality and work ethic make him bound to be successful in anything he pursues, on top of that, his care for his teammates and leadership made everyone around him better; you can’t win a game by yourself, no matter How good you are.”
What’s a drill or skill you’re grinding to perfect before the season?
“I’ve just been doing a ton of hill sprints to work on my overall speed, power, and conditioning.”
Personal Story
How did you start playing football, and what keeps you passionate about it?
“I always played flag in elementary school, but during the COVID-19 lockdown, I began watching a ton of football, a lot of old school football, so that made me want to go out for Tohickon football that fall in seventh grade.”
Who’s been your biggest supporter (e.g., coach, family, teammate) in your football journey?
“My parents have always stood behind me no matter what I pursued, but I’ve been lucky to have a lot of coaches that cared a ton about me, including my Tohickon football coach, Coach Rich Dennis. And now, Coach Rob Rowan in high school, who has helped shape me as a football player and person.”
What’s a challenge you’ve overcome—on the field or off—that’s made you a better player or person?
“My biggest challenge was my size. This past season, playing most of the season as an interior D-lineman at about 190lbs was really difficult, but I learned a lot. I learned how to play with finesse and stay low. Since then, I have put in a ton of work to gain size this offseason, and I am now almost 210.
How does playing in the Suburban One League shape your experience as a high school athlete?
“Playing in one of the most competitive public leagues in the state with such a large fanbase, the SOL produces an experience for these short 3 years that you will never forget.”
Football Flair
What’s the one song on your pre-game playlist that fires you up, and why?
“I usually like to listen to something like “Man in the Box by Alice In Chains or “Summer Nights” by Van Halen; or something like “Supastars” by Migos.”
What’s your nickname in the locker room, and how’d you earn it?
“I don’t have one, but a lot of people call me by my last name, or a spinoff of it. Szabo.”
If you could take one teammate’s skill for a game, whose would you pick and why?
“I think having Jeff Cappas’ strength for a game would be a game-changer. His ability to manhandle people just through being outright stronger than the person in front of him is truly unfair.”
Football Flair
What’s your biggest goal for this season with C.B. West?
“Plain and simple, to win the District.”
Are you eyeing college football? What’s your dream school or program to play for?
“Yeah, I think playing college football would be a great experience. I would love to go to a great academic program, too, something like Tufts seems amazing.”
Where do you see yourself in football or life five years from now?
“I see myself finishing an accomplished college football career and graduating from undergrad to hopefully pursue a master’s in engineering.”
Team and League Pride
Who’s an under-the-radar teammate who deserves more shine, and why?
“Without a doubt, I have to say Gio Pelligrino. His size always makes him underestimated and sometimes goes unseen. As a 3-year starter, his impact on the team is yet to be recognized for what it truly is. Not only that, but he is more than an ideal locker room guy; he’s one of those people who improves everyone around him and helps to mesh the team into a brotherhood.”
What’s the loudest or most memorable crowd moment you’ve experienced in a game?
“By far, it has to be the Hail Mary reception to seal the deal for our loss against CB South. That moment still drives me to this day. I’ve never felt like that before and plan to never feel like it again.”