Zac Atkins, a 2008 Lake Highlands High School graduate and current senior at Sewanee, The University of the South (Sewanee, Tennessee) has been selected to play in the 2011 D-III Senior Classic All-American football game.
The third annual contest will be played on Friday, December 9th in Salem, Virginia, pitting all-stars from the north versus the south, all chosen from NCAA Division 3 teams across the country.
While at Lake Highlands, Zac was a three-year letterman and Academic All-State linebacker for the Wildcats and served as captain his senior year.
Zac went on to play at the next level as middle linebacker for Sewanee.
After posting an impressive 97 tackles in his junior campaign, he was selected as a member of the D3 Senior Classic 2011 Pre-Season All-American Football Team for the south’s defense entering his senior season.
He is the first Sewanee player ever selected for this honor.
Zac has been a leader on the Sewanee defense since he joined the lineup in the middle of his sophomore year.
He was selected as a member of the 2010 All-SCAC (Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference) defense following his junior year and is also a three-time All-SCAC All-Academic team selection.
During his career, he accounted for 200 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and three fumble recoveries and 6.5 sacks.
His accomplishments become even more impressive when you consider that, at 5’8” and 163 lbs., Zac may be the smallest college linebacker in the nation.
However, what he lacks in physical size has been consistently overcome by an over-sized heart and determination to play the game he loves. His story is an inspiration to any athlete who has had to overcome adversity due of a perceived limitation.
Zac credits his faith in Christ as another angle to evaluate his achievements, and he readily gives credit where credit is due.
"God has really blessed me in my football career at Sewanee, and it's a great privilege to represent Him as well as the University of the South in this game."
"Growing up, I always dreamed of being an All-American football player. I am so grateful and humbled by the opportunity the Lord has given to me."
The 2011 D-III Senior Classic All-American game will be aired on Fox College Sports Network Friday, December 9th.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 pm EST.
Zac Atkins to play in All-American Classic
Dec 07, 2011 by LHT Staff
Zac Atkins is a three-time All-SCAC All-Academic team selection. During his career, he accounted for 200 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions and 6.5 sacks.
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