The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/465847
2015 RECRUITING ISSUE style quarterback nationally, Gentry led his team to a 10-2 record last year and advanced to the 6A state semifi- nals. He racked up 2,975 yards pass- ing and 26 touchdowns through the air and another 1,057 yards and 22 scores on the ground. He knows playing for Michigan is going to be vastly different than what he experienced in high school, but the New Mexico Gatorade Player of the Year is doing everything in his power to make sure that he's ready for whatever he sees in just about four months. "I'm in the weight room all the time," Gentry said. "I lift five days a week. I've been getting out and conditioning and doing a lot of sprint work and footwork. I try to throw 100 passes a day, five days a week also. I've been getting ready." Dotson knows that Gentry will be ready to play in the winged hel- met. He knows that New Mexico high school football isn't Texas high school football, but he doesn't care. He'd put his guy up against anyone because of what he's seen in person and is certain that Gentry has what it takes. "He's got all of the tools," Dotson said. "His arm is very strong, and his accuracy will shine through no mat- ter what. Zach has gotten better as an athlete each year so that's a good sign, too. He's not tapped out. "If he went out and ran a 40 right now I would say it would be 4.65- 4.7, and he's gotten faster every year. He's grown that way. When you watch his film he's running by guys with speed so he's definitely fast. He's just the total package." Gentry's soon-to-be head coach, Jim Harbaugh, has recognized some of the same characteristics. There's a reason Harbaugh fast-tracked his pursuit of Gentry and made him a priority. He saw something in the big QB that he had to have. "Zach is a leader by example, who has dedicated himself to his goals," Harbaugh said. "In addition to his gift of size and athleticism, Zach has always worked hard during the offseason throwing and working on footwork, weights and nutrition. We at Michigan are fortunate to call him one of our own." — Brandon Brown Gentry's 7,144 career passing yards and 47 rushing scores both rank sixth all time in New Mexico high school history, while his 54 touchdown tosses rank 10th. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL