Back from injury, Zambrano sees recruiting buzz return

THE LATEST: There was plenty of recruiting buzz surrounding offensive guard Hunter Zambrano a few years back, but having his junior season ended because of a hamstring injury put a muzzle on the building chatter. Now healthy, the class-of-2020 standout is having a solid senior season at Ft. Lauderdale’s University High School and seeing major schools come back to the table with different levels of interest.

Below, Zambrano discusses the teams that are keeping an eye on his season and how close each could be to making things official with a late scholarship offer.

ON SCHOOLS THAT SEEM MOST INTERESTED AS THINGS STAND:

“I was talking to Florida. The last time we talked was last month, but they are waiting. They want to see the whole year because I have a lack of film because of last year, so they are waiting to see the whole year play out. That is going to dictate the offer. Then there’s Indiana. They are very interested. Florida State, too. The coach has already been here to look at me, but they want to see a little bit more film, too.”

ON INDIANA :

"The offensive line coach from there is coming down in about a week or so and he is coming to see me. They really like me. I don;t know a lot about the actual school, but I do like the football team a lot. I would love to get up to campus if I could. One of the kids from my school [Josh Sanguinetti], he goes up there and loves it there."

ON HIS JUNIOR SEASON:

"I had an injury. I ended up playing my first three games, but then on the third drive of the next game. After the play, some kid dove and speared my knee. I ended up tearing my hamstring."

ON FLORIDA:

"I’m not sure how likely it is. I guess it depends on how good my film is. All I know is I would definitely love to go to Florida. That’s all I know. If it becomes an option, it would be one of my top schools."

ON FLORIDA STATE:

"They are pretty much telling me the same thing as Indiana. It’s an opportunity I like, but I don't have it yet."

ON OTHER SCHOOLS IN CONTACT:

"Rice. They actually want me now. They want to offer now, but I have to get a 23 on ACT for that. We have a kid on our team committed there and he really likes it up there. He hopes I get a better score, so I can go with him up there."

RIVALS REACTION: Zambrano’s injury-plagued junior season stunted his recruitment but there's no doubt he has the talent to help some level of FBS school. At which level he lands will be determined mostly by his senior film but also certain teams’ needs along the offensive line. Zambrano is one to monitor, as he could get an opportunity or two late in the process.