Coming to you first once again NEI is breaking the story of one of the state’s top linebackers in Zach Walen (6-3 195 Sr. LB/TE) of Lake Oswego. Walen has had a busy last couple days being offered 4 scholarship offers from a variety of schools. Portland St, E.Washington, San Diego, and Dartmouth have all made their intentions known asking Walen to be a part of their football program.
Walen has had a 1st team all state type year and helped Lake O to a national ranking and a current (12-0) record heading into their semi final matchup with Jesuit. Zach is the son of Mark Walen who was a former All American at UCLA where he was selected defensive lineman of the year in the Pac 10, winning 3 Rose Bowls and a Fiesta Bowl. He followed this up with a professional career playing for the Dallas Cowboys from (1985-90) .
Zach has made a name for himself and worked very hard to get to his goal. ” It’s been kind of crazy waiting so long for an offer and then getting four in a couple days, its an awesome feeling and im excited to look at my options”. Walen says that each school offers appealing aspects to it, ” Dartmouth is very appealing do to the academics, PSU is a school on the rise, and Eastern Washington just won a national championship so there are some pretty nice options thus far”.
Walen is a kid with a huge upside. He’s got a big wing span and a lot of room to pack on the extra pounds. NFL genes are something valuable in a way most people will never know. You can’t teach certain intangibles and this would definitely qualify. Look for Walen to be one of the most highly recruited athletes from the 2012 class from here on out. PAC 12 schools are well aware and should be making some serious inquiries soon. We wish Zach continued success as he is even a better kid then athlete.
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/632424/
