Zach Calzada is Itching for Redemption: "I got a bad taste in my mouth"

Zach Calzada‘s path to Kentucky is one that took an unusual, bumpy course. He’s been doubted throughout his career. He proved many wrong on his way back to the SEC and now he’s ready for redemption.

“I’ve been itching to get back since I left,” Calzada told KSR this week. “It’s been a long road. There were definitely times where I was wondering if I would ever get back to play in a really high level of football, but it’s always been the goal. My parents preach persistence and faith in the Lord. I’m extremely happy to be back.”

The three-star recruit from Georgia wasn’t expected to get an early shot to play at Texas A&M. When the starter from Texas was injured, Calzada stepped up and led the Aggies to an 8-win season that included a victory over No. 1 Alabama.

Calzada transferred to Auburn to play for Bryan Harsin. Things did not go well on The Plains. A shoulder injury was partially to blame. Harsin’s shortcomings also contributed. He did not leave Auburn on good terms.

“I got a bad taste in my mouth from a couple of things and a couple of people, and I had some regrets, but I know now it was all for a reason. I think that coming here, yes, it’s a chance at redemption, for sure. But this is a lot more important than me. It’s about the team. It’s about our offense coming together and doing our best to put points on the board and go win games. There’s some personal aspects to it in regards to redemption, but it’s not about me and I have to tell myself that constantly,” he told reporters.

“It was a tough patch, a lot of things that didn’t go my way, between people end up not being there that I thought were going to be there. And maybe they have a bad taste in their mouths about me as well. But I definitely have a bad taste in my mouth from that place and those people. It was a rough year, but I’m excited. I’m so thankful that I get to be back in the SEC with Kentucky, with Coach Stoops, with Coach Hamdan, and the rest of the guys on this team.”

Calzada will return to Jordan-Hare Stadium to play Auburn on November 1.

What Calzada Learned at the FCS Level

Looking for a fresh start, he found a place where he could succeed at Incarnate Word. Last fall he was the Southland Conference Player of the Year, completing 65% of his passes for 3,791 yards (No. 5 in FCS), 35 touchdowns (No. 2 in FCS), and 9 interceptions. In two years he tallied over 6,000 passing yards and 64 total touchdowns.

Those stats pop off the page. He added some things to his arsenal, but his most important development was between the ears.

“I think I grew as a man the most over the last two years. I think my game evolved tremendously, I put on a lot of good weight. I’ve gotten a lot faster. I’ve become smarter. But I think my development as a man and a leader has been the most important thing over the last two years,” said the Kentucky quarterback.

“Playing at the FCS level and playing at Incarnate Word, strengthening my relationship with God was extremely important to me. He led me back here and prepared me for this moment.”

Growing in the Run Game

The passing numbers are excellent, but don’t ignore another vital asset to his game. Last fall, he had 540 non-sack rushing yards and five touchdowns. That’s the most dramatic difference in his game since the last time he was in the SEC.

“I think I gained a lot of confidence in running the ball,” he said. “There’s definitely going to be a higher level of talent here in the SEC, but I think I grew confidence in getting downhill, tucking the ball and running when I need to, especially in some third downs. When you see some teams throw a coverage at you that you haven’t seen and maybe they’ll lock up what you thought you were going to get; it’s up to the quarterback to make the play and keep the sticks moving.”

Calzada has gained 35 pounds since he was the quarterback at Texas A&M and cut time off his 40-yard dash from 4.8 to 4.6. At Incarnate Word, he studied Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, who do whatever they have to do to keep drives alive. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to find redemption at Kentucky.

“My best asset is my resilience,” he said. “I’ve been able to persevere through a lot of adversity. I think that my journey is unique, and I’m extremely thankful for it. I think I bring a level of toughness and resilience to the football field. I get to showcase my talent through my arm and run the ball when I need to.”

A New Number to Share with His Sister

Calzada has spent most of his career wearing No. 10. For his final year of college football, he’ll don No. 5. It’s the same number his sister, Carolyn, will wear on the soccer field this fall.

“My sister is a three-time All-American soccer player at Texas A&M and she just transferred to Notre Dame. Best center-back in the country in my book. We came to a conclusion that we’re going to be No. 5. It’s a number we’ve never worn before, but I think that was pretty cool that we get to go out there and wear the same number this year.”