Hank Zilinskas Reflects in Iowa Football Junior Day
Colorado Lineman Attends Hawkeye QB Alex Padilla's High School
Hank Zilinskas learned a lot about Iowa Football during his junior day visit this past weekend. He also gained some intel from a pair of inside sources.
The junior lineman attends the same high school that produced current Hawkeye quarterback Alex Padilla. Zilinskas teamed up with fellow Class of 2023 prospect Chase Brackney, an Iowa verbal commitment, to help Englewood (CO) Cherry Creek High win the state championship in the fall.
“Alex speaks highly of the program’s culture and how the coaches really care about their players,” Zilinskas told HF. “Chase has explained to me how welcoming the program has been to him and his family.”
Zilinskas (6-3, 255) received a first-hand look at what he’s been told.
“I thought it was cool that they brought in a player-only panel to answer questions. I was also very impressed by Iowa’s weight room. It’s one of the biggest and best in the country,” he said
Some college programs see Zilinskas as a defensive tackle. Iowa views him as an offensive lineman.
“I was impressed by the tradition of excellent offensive linemen,” he said.
Iowa offensive line coach George Barnett spent quality time with Zilinskas.
“We talked a lot about Iowa’s recruiting process and what makes their offensive line unique. They really like athletic offensive linemen that can run and that is one of my strengths,” Zilinskas said.
With Padilla lining up for the Hawkeyes, Zilinskis has kept an eye on them from afar.
“I’ve watched a lot of Iowa football on TV, but it would be really cool to experience the game-day atmosphere,” he said.
Zilinskas is undecided on a college major. He’s considering Business and Sports Management. He reports scholarship offers from Colorado, Colorado State, Nevada and Utah State so far. Rutgers, where he visited during the season, is showing interest in him.