Michigan OL Zak Zinter officially declares for 2024 NFL Draft

Michigan Wolverines football senior offensive lineman Zak Zinter has declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, as expected. Last year at this time, Zinter had the option to depart for the NFL but chose to return for another season, and now he’s a national champion. Zinter will forgo his final season of eligibility.

“The memories and friendships that I have created over the past 4 years will last a lifetime,” Zinter wrote in a statement. “I cannot put into words how thankful I am to be able to wear the winged helmet and earn my degree from the best university in the country!

“First, I want to thank my family and friends who showed up for me week after week, especially my mom and dad who never missed a game throughout my career. To my brother and sister, thanks for being my biggest fans. It meant the world and I can’t imagine this journey without each of you.

“Thank you [Michigan head] Coach [Jim] Harbaugh for giving me this opportunity to be a part of the winningest program in the country and mentoring me throughout my college career. [Offensive coordinator and offensive line] Coach [Sherrone] Moore, you have pushed me on and off the field to become the player and man I always dreamed of being. Our O-line group is special and the bond we have will last forever. A huge thank you to the best athletic training staff in the country that always went the extra mile to take amazing care of me every step of the way.

“What makes this team so special is the culture we have all built together. What we have created over the last four years here is LEGENDARY. We’ve made history together and always had each other’s backs. I am extremely thankful for every single one of my brothers on this team. We’ve pushed each other at every level, dealt with adversity and honored the standard of Michigan football.

“I want to thank Wolverine nation, the best fans in the world for always believing in this team and for the unwavering support that each of you have shown me.

“I am grateful to have left my legacy as a captain and a Michigan man. This would not be possible without my faith and trusting God’s plans in my life. Isaiah 41:10.

“With that being said, I will officially be declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft.

“Those who stay will be champions. Go Blue!”

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The Michigan right guard went down with a broken tibia and fibula in the second half of the Wolverines’ 30-24 win over Ohio State Nov. 25 and had surgery the same day. He’s said he hopes to be healthy for NFL Draft preparation. Zinter was walking on the field without crutches at both the Rose Bowl Jan. 1 and national championship game Jan. 8.

Zinter is the No. 2 offensive guard prospect for the draft, according to ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr., behind only Washington’s Troy Fautanu.

The 6-foot-6, 322-pounder was named a unanimous All-American, earning first-team honors from all five major designators — the Walter Camp Football Foundation, Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Associated Press, Sporting News and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).

Zinter is Michigan’s first unanimous first-team All-American on the offensive line since left tackle Jake Long in 2007. Those two are the only Wolverine offensive linemen to accomplish the feat since Steve Hutchinson, a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, in 2000.

The North Andover, Mass., product is Michigan’s 26th-ever unanimous All-American and the fourth in the head coach Jim Harbaugh era, joining senior running back Blake Corum (2022), Aidan Hutchinson (2021) and Jabrill Peppers (2016).

Zinter appeared in 45 games with 42 starts along the offensive line, 41 of which came at right guard.

Zinter’s 76.6 overall PFF grade ranked 16th in the country among guard with at least 330 offensive snaps. He checks in tied for 18th (75.8) in run blocking and 94th in pass protection (73.8).

The 6-6, 322-pounder appeared in 45 games with 42 starts during his four years at Michigan, helping the Wolverines win the coveted Joe Moore Award for the nation’s top offensive line in both 2021 and 2022. The Maize and Blue were named semifinalists for the honor this season, but were not among the group of four finalists. However, the Wolverines beat Joe Moore Award winner Washington in the national championship game.

A four-star recruit, Zinter was the No. 294 overall player in the 2020 recruiting class, per the On3 Industry Ranking.