Zack Zwinak is ready to compete for a more significant role at fullback, with senior Michael Zordich the lone returnee at the position possessing measurable experience. Having suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament as a true freshman in 2010, the highly-skilled and strong Zwinak is looking forward to trying to work his way into the mix for more playing time. Showing his versatility in spring practice, Zwinak took snaps at both tailback and fullback and racked up 37 yards on the ground and scored one touchdown in the Blue-White game. The former Linganore High School All-American was among five members of the Nittany Lions' 2010 recruiting class selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl that year. Zwinak is one of 10 returning Nittany Lions from Maryland.
2011 Sophmore Season
In his first season on the field, Zwinak appeared in two games and gained considerable experience on the practice field. He rushed for seven yards on three carries, gaining six yards in the non-conference matchup against Eastern Michigan. He also recorded a carry in the season-opener against Indiana State.
2010 Freshman Season
Redshirt season. Zwinak suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in an October practice and underwent surgery soon thereafter, ending his season.
High School
Zwinak was rated the nation's No. 2 prep fullback at Linganore High School for Coach Richard Conner. Zwinak was one of five future Nittany Lions selected to play in the 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He was named all-state after rushing for 1,447 yards as a junior. As a senior, he rushed for 2,109 yards on 164 carries and scored 25 touchdowns. Zwinak was a prep teammate of former Nittany Lion offensive lineman Mike Lucian.
Personal
Full name is Zachary Thomas Zwinak. He is the son of B.J. Zwinak and Diane Thomas and has one younger sister, Lisa. His father was a defensive tackle at Virginia Tech, lettering from 1980-83, and his mother was a member of the North Carolina track and field team. Zwinak enjoys hunting, outdoor activities and playing video games in his spare time. Born July 29, 1992 in Alexandria, Va.
