ZachWest

* SEC?Academic Honor Roll (2012, 2014)

Three-year starter at left
guard … Showed toughness by battling through injuries last season …
Hoping for a healthy senior season … Has played in 32 games, starting
30 … Good student who has completed his degree in political science
and is now working toward a second major in sociology … Two-year
member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll.

2014 (Junior):
Started all nine games in which he played … Missed three games with
injury but bounced back to start the last eight games in a row …
Helped five players rush for at least 300 yards last season, first time
that was accomplished at UK in 37 years.
2013 (Sophomore): Played in 11 games with nine starts … Helped three different UK players rush for 400-plus yards.
2012 (Redshirt Freshman): Started all 12 games at left guard … Helped UK tailbacks average 4.9 yards per carry during the season.
2011 (Freshman): Redshirted.
High School:
Projected as the No. 17 offensive guard in the nation by Scout.com …
Named to the MaxPreps/U.S. Air Force Small Schools All-America Team …
First-team all-state as a junior and senior by the Louisville
Courier-Journal … Tabbed to the Lexington Herald-Leader “Class of the
Commonwealth” listing of the top-22 players in Kentucky … District
Player of the Year … Four-year starter at Lexington Christian Academy …
Played offensive tackle his first three seasons, then center and guard
his senior year … Played multiple positions in the defensive line … LCA
won the Class A state championship his junior season with a 14-1 record …
Also first-team all-state as a junior by The Associated Press … Team
advanced to the state finals his freshman season … LCA posted a 46-12
record during his four campaigns … Played in the Kentucky vs. Tennessee
Border Bowl … Coached by Ray Graham and Paul Rains … “Zach has a rare
combination of tremendous size, strength and athletic ability,” Graham
said.  “He has character, gives his best and is a leader.  He’s the
total package.” … Also competed in the shot put and discus throw for the
track and field team … Two-year regional champion in the shot put,
advancing to the state meet … Earned the distinction of Eagle Scout … A
volunteer at Bluegrass Christian Camp … Member of the Fellowship of
Christian Athletes.
Personal:
Born in Lexington … Son of Roger and Ginger West … Has completed a
bachelor’s degree in political science, now adding second major in
sociology.
Community Cats:
Participated in the Big Blue U Move-In (2011, ‘12), the God’s Pantry
project (2012, ‘13, ‘14) and Read Across America (2014) … Salvation
Army bellringer (2012) and volunteer at the UK?Athletics Back-to-School
picnic (2012) … Participated in events at Northern Elementary School
and West Jessamine Elementary School (2014).
Zach Says …
My nickname is: Big Boy … Other than the NFL, my dream job is:
federal agent … My favorite part of game day is: the playing of My Old
Kentucky Home after we win … If I could trade places with any
athlete, it would be: Sebastian Schweinsteiger … My non-sports talent
is: fishing … If I could trade places with Coach Stoops for one day, I
would: take over the seven kingdoms … What’s the best advice you’ve
ever received? Quit your whining.