Michigan vs. Ohio State took a devastating turn on Saturday when Zak Zinter, the 2022 second-team All-American and future first-team All-America offensive lineman, was carried off the field in the third quarter with a gruesome leg injury.
Zinter, the anchor of one of the best offensive lines in college football, was thrown off while pumping his fist to loud cheers from the Michigan crowd as quarterback JJ McCarthy hugged Zinter’s parents.
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The entire Michigan team was on the field to defeat Zinter:
In almost cosmic circumstances, Blake Corum scored from 22 yards behind Michigan’s offensive line on the very next play, giving Michigan a 24-17 lead. Corum’s celebration included holding up the numbers “6-5” in recognition of Zinter.
According to Ohio State’s radio show, Ohio State coach Ryan Day also went up the tunnel to talk to and comfort Zinter’s parents.
Update on Zak Zinter’s injury
Zinter suffered a serious injury to his left leg when an Ohio State player blocked him while he was participating in a block.
He went to the ground and was attended to by staff while the Michigan football team was on the field. A spray of “Let’s go, Zak” chants erupted from the crowd in Michigan. Zinter was confirmed for the game almost immediately, but the extent of the injury is unknown.
Zak Zinter NFL Draft
Zinter is considered one of the best offensive linemen in the country, but because he is more of a guard than a tackle, his talent is somewhat compromised.
Before his injury, Zinter was a possible fringe first-round pick. Diante Lee of The Athletic predicted Zinter would go No. 32 to the 49ers last month. How viable that remains will likely depend on the extent of his injury, but a team that can invest in him could still take him in the early rounds if the injury is as bad as feared.