Zack Johnson MVFC Offensive Lineman of the Week

[NDSUstudent]

ST. LOUIS - North Dakota State left guard Zack Johnson was named Missouri Valley Football Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week by the league office Monday, Nov. 18.

Johnson, a 6-foot-4, 317-pound sophomore from Apple Valley, Minn., had the best game of his career with 13 knockdowns and zero quarterback hurries or sacks allowed in North Dakota State's 35-17 win at Youngstown State. NDSU (10-0, 7-0 MVFC) won its third straight conference title.

Johnson keyed several big runs as the Bison averaged 6.7 yards per carry and had dual 100-yard rushers for the second time this season. Sam Ojuri rushed for 146 yards and John Crockett went for 120 while quarterback Brock Jensen passed for four touchdowns in his third 200-yard game of the season.

http://www.gobison.com/news/2013/11/18/FB_1118133010.aspx

[EndZoneQB]

Sounds like the foundation for dynasty continuation is well laid...

[tony]

Phil was raving about him the other day.

[bison_by_blood]

Seemed like every time we pulled him he was laying guys out. Well deserved. Has every position on the line won the MVC Lineman of the Week this year? Pretty sure i remember Billy, Gimme and Haeg at least once.

[SDbison]

Congrats Zach........I love it when offensive lineman get awards. Toughest and least appreciated position in football. Bison have some great O lineman!

[Professor Chaos]

It's probably a bit early to speculate but I think Zack will be a 2016 NFL draft pick. With his combination size (6'4" 317) and agility (watch him when he pulls) I think he'll translate well as an NFL OG.

[reformedUNDfan]

this line is disgustingly good.

[tony]

this line is disgustingly good.

Billy Turner has turned it up to 11.

Five guys working as one (or with NDSU, I suppose you'd count the FB and TE too.)

[A1pigskin]

Congratulations Zach. Keep on truckin.

[CaBisonFan]

Watching the replay and I can see why Zack got the recognition. Amazing

[BisoninNWMN]

Well deserved!!!

He is a beast. Keeps improving and he will play of Sundays.

[BisonTeacher]

Awesome. Congrats Zack.

[TateMosersneighbor]

I have a minor man crush on Gimmestad. I call him "Bad Mamajamma". Congrats Zach! This line is playing very well right now. I like seeing our big guys pull around end and flatten a guy.

Serious question for those that would know...then they say "so and so graded out at 94%"...can someone describe what that means? I'd hate to learn something on Bisonville.

[CAS4127]

I have a minor man crush on Gimmestad. I call him "Bad Mamajamma". Congrats Zach! This line is playing very well right now. I like seeing our big guys pull around end and flatten a guy.

Serious question for those that would know...then they say "so and so graded out at 94%"...can someone describe what that means? I'd hate to learn something on Bisonville.

Each player, on each and every play, is graded on several areas, like was first step correct, was proper technique used, was assignment secured, etc. I don't know all the grading areas for Olinemen, but there would be 3-5 at least.

And when I say each player is graded on several areas for every play they play, I mean just that. Coaches put a lot of time into breaking down the video and grading players. Then, after that is done, the players watch the video with their position coach (normally as a group) and each play for each player is discussed in front of everyone, so all learn the entire scheme and what others assignments are. It takes a lot of time to do this, as you can imagine, and I am actually simplifying things a bit.

[TateMosersneighbor]

Each player, on each and every play, is graded on several areas, like was first step correct, was proper technique used, was assignment secured, etc. I don't know all the grading areas for Olinemen, but there would be 3-5 at least.

And when I say each player is graded on several areas for every play they play, I mean just that. Coaches put a lot of time into breaking down the video and grading players. Then, after that is done, the players watch the video with their position coach (normally as a group) and each play for each player is discussed in front of everyone, so all learn the entire scheme and what others assignments are. It takes a lot of time to do this, as you can imagine, and I am actually simplifying things a bit.

Thank you. Impressive that they would go to footwork, hand position, etc. I figured as much, but thank you. Yes, I don't know that us mortals understand the time put into "the program" by all. Our coaching staff is as good as there is and we are seeing the results. Very tough to find plays where we have a player "out of position".

My wife graded me out the other night at 42%. My first moves were off all night and certainly my hand position was horrible. In the end the game ended well after the Forum went to press so no results were available.

[BisonTeacher]

My wife graded me out the other night at 42%. My first moves were off all night and certainly my hand position was horrible. In the end the game ended well after the Forum went to press so no results were available.

Hand position? Ive heard its not just your hands that are out of position. :biggrin:

In all seriousness....Each year we worry about what we are losing when the seniors graduate. I know after the first championship we wondered some about O-line. Zacks award is great news. Offensive success starts on the lines. If you don't believe me just ask the vikings.

[jarhead]

Per Tony Pauline, Zack had a good first day at Shrine Bowl practice. Broadcast on NFL Network at 2:00 Saturday. NFL.com also has ongoing coverage of practices.

[SDbison]

Per Tony Pauline, Zack had a good first day at Shrine Bowl practice. Broadcast on NFL Network at 2:00 Saturday. NFL.com also has ongoing coverage of practices. Good to hear about Zack Johnson. The NFL might start to recognize how well NDSU develops offensive lineman. Joe Haeg was a monster for the Colts this year. If Billy Turner could get on the right team he could eventually do very well.

[Christopher Moen]

Good to hear about Zack Johnson. The NFL might start to recognize how well NDSU develops offensive lineman. Joe Haeg was a monster for the Colts this year. If Billy Turner could get on the right team he could eventually do very well.

Billy is on a team (Broncos) that has high regards for him right now.

[SDbison]

Billy is on a team (Broncos) that has high regards for him right now. Thanks for reminding me. Just couldn't recall where Billy ended up. Denver knows how good NDSU lineman can be.

[coloradobison]

Thanks for reminding me. Just couldn't recall where Billy ended up. Denver knows how good NDSU lineman can be.

their new head coach was the DC in Miami last year (who cut him) so we'll see what happens. Almost an entire new coaching staff here so it's to be determined what happens with the OL after they struggled so much last year.

[Christopher Moen]

their new head coach was the DC in Miami last year (who cut him) so we'll see what happens. Almost an entire new coaching staff here so it's to be determined what happens with the OL after they struggled so much last year.

Vance Joseph prefers to build schemes that fit to his players strengths rather than trying to force players to fit schemes. The Broncos were pretty happy to get Billy after missing out on him during the draft as he was high on their list of offensive lineman back then.

[jarhead]

Zack measured in at a hair over 6' 4" and 346 lbs. I believe that makes him the heaviest lineman on either team.

[coloradobison]

Optimum Scouting tweeted that Zach was a 'winner' at todays practice.

[jarhead]

I just noticed that John is covering Zack's mentions over at Bisonation.

[DORMIE]

I have a niece in Windsor, CO whose husband is close friends with current OL coach James Craig. I'll have to touch base with him to see if James is retained.

[Christopher Moen]

I have a niece in Windsor, CO whose husband is close friends with current OL coach James Craig. I'll have to touch base with him to see if James is retained.

Cregg is gone. http://www.denverpost.com/2017/01/13/denver-broncos-coaching-staff-tracker/

[jarhead]

Yesterday Bisonation included a mention/picture of Zack at Shrine Game practice that was posted by Jeff Risdon. Jeff has a website called Real GM
which I enjoy following: http://football.realgm.com/analysis/2925/Shrine-Game-Notebook-Tuesday-On-The-Lines
Here is his Tuesday take on Zack:North Dakota State guard Zach Johnson brings the flowing long hair and the “dad bod” at 6’4” and 346 pounds. He looks like a bouncer at a country music bar, but Johnson has some brute physicality to his game which shined in team drills. He landed both of his big mitts on Houston DT BJ Singleton and nearly threw him across the center. He’s not as polished as former NDSU teammate Joe Haeg, who starts for the Colts now, but he could be a better pro if he sheds a few pounds and keeps working on his feet.

[Bisonator98]

Apparently big Zack has no trouble putting the weight on....I can relate.:hungry:

[NDSU_grad]

Yesterday Bisonation included a mention/picture of Zack at Shrine Game practice that was posted by Jeff Risdon. Jeff has a website called Real GM
which I enjoy following: http://football.realgm.com/analysis/2925/Shrine-Game-Notebook-Tuesday-On-The-Lines
Here is his Tuesday take on Zack:North Dakota State guard Zach Johnson brings the flowing long hair and the “dad bod” at 6’4” and 346 pounds. He looks like a bouncer at a country music bar, but Johnson has some brute physicality to his game which shined in team drills. He landed both of his big mitts on Houston DT BJ Singleton and nearly threw him across the center. He’s not as polished as former NDSU teammate Joe Haeg, who starts for the Colts now, but he could be a better pro if he sheds a few pounds and keeps working on his feet.
great post. I strongly recommend following Jeff on twitter if you like to get updates on players' draft stocks Great for Shrine Game and Senior Bowl updates also. Had a pretty cool little nugget on Zach today on twitter.

[StL Bison Fan]

Best tweet of the day...

Retweeted TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL):

Zack Johnson just saved his QB from meeting Jesus. He came off his man and got a block on Darius English as he was closing on the QB.

[THEsocalledfan]

Best tweet of the day...

Retweeted TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL):

Zack Johnson just saved his QB from meeting Jesus. He came off his man and got a block on Darius English as he was closing on the QB.

This is great stuff. While not the Senior Bowl, he has to be putting himself into play to be drafted.

[coloradobison]

The West offensive line has no shortage of size, but unfortunately they have lacked anchor in their 1-on-1 drills with defensive linemen. The exception was consistently North Dakota State’s Zach Johnson, who measured in at 6’4″ and 346 lbs. Where other blockers struggled to drop down and stand up defensive linemen before they could push them into the cone that represented the quarterback, Johnson made it look easy at times. As I overheard one observer describe it, he has “hold my tractor” strength.

http://thesportsdaily.com/optimum-scouting/2017-shrine-game-scouting-notes-from-the-week-of-practices/

[Christopher Moen]

http://thesportsdaily.com/optimum-scouting/2017-shrine-game-scouting-notes-from-the-week-of-practices/

"'Hold my tractor' strength!" That has to be made into a sign next year.

[IzzyFlexion]

I hope that the big fella's knee is doing well. That's a lot of L-Bs to support.
Gotta believe that he will back it down into the 330ish range as he ramps up his training in preparation for the combine.

[IBleedYellow]

https://twitter.com/TDavenport_NFL/status/821824980111552512

[HerdBot]

Here's an interview with Big Zack today on the insiders on Bison 1660

https://soundcloud.com/user-744211984/bison-all-american-zack-johnson-from-the-shrine-game-1-19-17

To listen to the whole show.. click here https://soundcloud.com/user-744211984/the-insiders-jan-19-2017-full-show

[coloradobison]

hopefully not serious


Zack Johnson left West practice with a knee. No idea of the severity. He was having a great week here.

https://twitter.com/JeffRisdon/status/822185288885739522

[coloradobison]

Bummer


Confirmed NDSU OL Zack Johnson has a torn MCL. Should be fine by training camp, aiming to still do workout at pro day. #shrinegame

https://twitter.com/JeffRisdon/status/822511512665387008

[Bisonator98]

Bummer



https://twitter.com/JeffRisdon/status/822511512665387008

Damn that sucks. Best of luck to Zack.

[Mr Meaty]

Bummer



https://twitter.com/JeffRisdon/status/822511512665387008

Tough break but he will recover and be ok (fingers crosses). This might give him a chance to drop some weight as well. Speedy recovery Zack.

[mtoutfitter]

Well that sucks! Suppose that will knock him out of consideration for the draft and he'll have to go the FA route?

[BisonAccountant44]

Bummer



https://twitter.com/JeffRisdon/status/822511512665387008

I was wondering what happened. My parents are in FL on vacation, and my mom who's never heard of the Shrine Bowl and probably has never heard of Zach just sent me a text saying he was sitting at the table next to them during lunch with a knee brace on. Hopefully he recovers and gets picked up.

[A1pigskin]

Bummer



https://twitter.com/JeffRisdon/status/822511512665387008


Timing of this sucks...........

[El_Chapo]

http://draftcountdown.com/2020-nfl-draft-rankings/2020-offensive-guard-rankings/

Zach is ranked #34 in NFL draft for guards

[mtoutfitter]

http://draftcountdown.com/2020-nfl-draft-rankings/2020-offensive-guard-rankings/

Zach is ranked #34 in NFL draft for guards

Wrong thread Doorknob.

[El_Chapo]

it's a link for Zack Johnson. wtf

[HerdBot]

it's a link for Zack Johnson. wtf

It's a link for the previous Zack Johnson who graduated after the 2016 season

[El_Chapo]

too many freakin zach zack zak Johnson's. thank god that ERA is over

[SDbison]

too many freakin zach zack zak Johnson's. thank god that ERA is over
I don't know about that.......they were all pretty darn good offensive lineman for the Bison. If there was another one equally as good out there I hope he becomes a Bison.