LATEST NEWS: The true extent of Zak Zinter’s greatness becomes apparent when viewed in relation to the greatness of others.

When recalling Michigan’s 1997 national championship team, the immediate association often revolves around dynamic players like Charles Woodson, who rightfully won the Heisman Trophy. However, beyond Woodson, names like Brian Griese, Chris Howard, and Anthony Thomas might come to mind before acknowledging the significance of guard Steve Hutchinson.

Hutchinson, a pivotal part of the ’97 team as a freshman starter, ultimately left a remarkable legacy in Ann Arbor. With a 41-8 record, two-time All-American status, team captaincy, and a national championship, Hutchinson went on to have an exceptional NFL career, earning induction into the NFL Hall of Fame.

Fast forward to the 2023 Michigan Wolverines, where the spotlight often falls on players like Blake Corum, Mike Sainristil, and J.J. McCarthy. Yet, amidst these stars, the unsung hero and perhaps the team’s best player, contributing significantly to its sustained success over a three-year span, is right guard Zak Zinter.

Zinter’s impressive collegiate journey includes a 38-7 record, unanimous All-American recognition, team captaincy, and a national championship. Over his four years at Michigan, Zinter solidified his place as one of the program’s finest offensive linemen, drawing comparisons to the likes of Steve Hutchinson, marking him as the best guard since the legendary Hutchinson.

Regardless of whether he was blocking alongside tackles Andrew Stueber, Karsen Barnhart, Trente Jones, or Myles Hinton on his right, or centers Andrew Vastardis, Olu Oluwatimi, or Drake Nugent on his left, Zak Zinter consistently served as both a connecting piece and a dominant force that elevated the performance of those around him.

In the run game, Zinter showcased his prowess as a road-grader, effectively operating in confined spaces or out on the perimeter. In pass protection, his powerful punches and quick footwork allowed him to handle more responsibilities per play than most in college football. However, given the absence of pure statistics, Zinter’s impact is best understood by examining the success of his teammates.

Michigan offensive lineman Zak Zinter (65) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Rutgers in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

In 2021, Zinter stood out as the best offensive lineman for a unit that secured the Joe Moore Award. The offensive line paved the way for running back Hassan Haskins, who set the single-season rushing touchdowns record (20). This season also witnessed a historic offensive line performance against Ohio State, lauded by the late John Madden as one of the best he had ever seen.

In 2022, Zinter played a pivotal role in the first offensive line to win the Joe Moore Award in consecutive years. The line blocked for running back Blake Corum, who finished with 1,463 yards—the eighth-highest total in Michigan history. The season also saw a historic rushing performance against Penn State, with the Wolverines accumulating 418 rushing yards, the third-highest allowed by Penn State in a single game since stat tracking began in 1947.

Throughout the 2023 season, Zinter continued to be a linchpin for the team, contributing to the record-breaking achievements of running back Hassan Haskins. The season featured another historic rushing performance against Penn State, where the Wolverines ran the ball 32 consecutive times for a road victory against a top-10 opponent with a top-three defense.

In his three years at Michigan, Zinter played a crucial role in enabling three different running backs to surpass the 1,000-yard rushing mark, a feat not accomplished since Mike Hart’s graduation. Zinter’s impact extends beyond statistics, making him a vital player in the success of the Wolverines over this three-year run. While he may not be the headline player, Zinter’s contributions make him a key figure, much like Steve Hutchinson for his team in 1997.