SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. -- It's been a busy week for four-star tight end Zack Kuntz.
The Camp Hill standout and Penn State class of 2018 verbal pledge picked up an invitation to The Opening a couple days ago and Friday afternoon participated in the 110-meter hurdles, 300-meter hurdles and high jump at the PIAA track and field championships.
After being one of two qualifiers in Class AA to go sub-15 seconds in the 110-meter hurdles, Kuntz will go for gold on Saturday in the 110-meter hurdles and the 300-meter hurdles. Kuntz even cleared 6-2 in the high jump on Friday, a feat made even more impressive when watching the 6-8, 230-pound tight end elevate to clear the height. There aren't many athletes his size blazing on the track, but Kuntz said this will likely be his last go around with track since he plans to early enroll at Penn State in January.
James Franklin
Mike Gesicki
Lamont Wade
Connor McGovern
Journey Brown
Q:
Your name was added to the list of qualifiers for The Opening this week. What did you gain from that experience at the regional event this spring?
A:
Kyle] Pitts
Pat Freiermuth
Q:
Did you think you didn't have a shot to qualify after that regional event ended and they had selected another tight end?
A:
Q:
It's widely regarded as the top showcase in the country so what do you want to show people out there next month at The Opening?
A:
Q:
Do you remember any of your testing numbers from the regional qualifier and were you pleased with them?
A:
Q:
Who else do you want to recruit while you're out there and how important is it to have at least three and potentially four Penn State verbal pledges, depending if Justin Fields qualifies at the Elite 11 event, out there in Oregon?
A:
Q:
And what is your pitch to not only the other guys you'll be recruiting out at The Opening, but also the other ones in this 2018 class?
A:
Q:
Penn State starts their prospect camps next weekend on campus. How many of those are you planning on getting to so you can work with Ricky Rahne and the rest of the staff this summer?
A:
Q:
Just looking at you right now with the size the Mike Gesicki comparisons seem to make a lot of sense. Have you met him at all during your recruitment?
A:
Q:
Weight-wise where do you want to get to in college compared to where you are now? Is that part of the decision to early enroll as well?
A:
Q:
James Franklin always talks about a players' features when he's recruiting them and stuff like the size of their hands and feet as growth indicators. You might've maxed out on your height already but certainly have adjusted to your frame. Given your size now do you think you could be done growing or...
A:
Q:
What's the experience like for you being out here at states in track and field since it is such a different atmosphere than being at states for any other team-oriented sport?
A:
Q:
Running back signee Journey Brown is out here and looking to defend his PIAA gold in the 100-meter dash. Have you had a chance to meet up with him at all or have you two met before?
A:
Q:
Did coach Franklin or any of the other coaches wish you luck before states?
A:
[Joe] Moorhead
[Brent] Pry
