Louisville Football continues it’s recent hot streak in recruiting. After picking up a 3 Star DB yesterday, today they pick up local 2021 3 Star OL Zen Michalski. Michalski plays right across the bridge for the Floyd Central Highlanders.
https://twitter.com/zenuaem/status/1254117747627307008?s=21
The 6’6 265 lbs OT prospect chose the Cards over several others offers. Some of those offers were from schools such as Duke, Boston College, Syracuse, Michigan State, Kansas State, Kansas, Cincinnati, and Indiana. He is the 80th ranked OT in the 2021 class according to 247sports. Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach Dwayne Ledford was his primary recruiter. Special Teams Coordinator and Tight Ends Coach Stu Holt was his secondary recruiter.
After watching Michalski’s highlights, he fits the bill of a Dwayne Ledford lineman. He’s explosive out of his stance at the snap, he has quick feet, he is strong, he has a high motor, and he finishes with a purpose. If you look at any of the other linemen Louisville has gotten in the Scott Satterfield era so far, Michalski is in that same mold.
As a run blocker, Michalski shines. He explodes out of his stance at the snap and gets moving quickly. He is able to get good bend in his knees which, when he engages a block, allows him to gain leverage and really drive defenders backwards or into the ground. Even though pulling is usually reserved for OGs, Michalski is such an athletic player that his high school team used him as a puller. When he gets a head of steam he pulverizes defenders like a bowling ball pulverizes pins.
He’s pretty adept at pass blocking as well. His quickness out of his stance allows him to beat pass rushers to spots. His quick feet and bend allow him to maintain leverage and create a nice pocket for his QB to operate. He uses his hands very well and keeps a wide base to maintain balance.
His motor and his finishing ability are absolutely ridiculous. Michalski, from snap to whistle, is violent and energetic. He loves to send guys flying on their backs or drive them into the ground. If he pancakes a guy, he immediately starts looking for someone else to dominantly pancake until the whistle blows. He brings it every play until the game ends. He plays with that nasty edge that Coach Ledford wants in his Band of Brothers.
Zen Michalski doesn’t live up to his first name on the football field. There is nothing Zen in the way he plays the game of football. While he is still somewhat raw, the tools he has physically are amazing. At 6’6 265 lbs, it’s obvious he can definitely add weight and fill out his frame. His mentality and work ethic seem to be strengths and helped him really grow his game from his high school freshman year to now. Those traits will help him flourish under Coach Ledford’s tutelage. Louisville got a player in Michalski that can grow into a multiple year starter if he continues to improve as he has in high school.
With Zen Michalski’s commitment, Louisville’s class remains ranked 53rd in the 247sports rankings. Louisville continues it’s hot start to the 2021 class.
