Elite Rx

Excellent Defensive Lineman commited to Penn State on Wednesday. At 6'2" and over 300 pounds this young man really dominates the High School level, but has skills that could transition very well to the next level. Top 100 prospect at the mid way point in the 2012 cycle. 

Rivals: 2*, 5.3 (out of 6.1)
Scout: 4*, #45 WR
247: 3*, 80 (out of 106)
ESPN: 3*, #115 WR, 76 (out of 100)

Matt Zanellato from Virginia has a large and talented frame at 6'4" 190

Gemrich: 

Matt Zanellato-  I've probably spent more time watching his film than any other player in this class.  My love affair with Matty Z is well documented and borderline inappropriate.  He was a no one who was considered a preferred walk-on as recently as October of last year, perhaps even into November.  By the time his season was over and he had participated in the Chesapeake Bowl, Scout had drastically changed their opinion of him and he was bumped from a 2* to a 4*, and every single evaluator who has seen him over the past few months has had nothing but glowing things to say about him.  Rivals rating is worthless, and not even worth discussing.  It is admittedly confusing that he didn't receive more interest before PSU offered, at least from the local schools, but in the end, who cares.  He has a very good frame, good height, long arms, big target.  He is incredibly polished for a high school receiver, certainly one of the post polished high school wide receivers I've ever seen.  I literally cannot find one weakness from a fundamental standpoint (and I'm not sure I've ever said that about a high school receiver).  He's a much better athlete than he was originally given credit for, and if he had elite speed I would consider him one of the top 5 receivers in the country.  I honestly believe he could play right away if he was needed, but given the depth at the position it would seem highly unlikely that he won't redshirt.  I would detail all the things he does well, but it's easier to simply say that he already does everything very well.  We might as well discuss his speed since that appears to be the big question mark.  He's not a burner, but to say he's slow or a Brett Brackett type guy is completely miscasting him.  He's quicker than you'd expect considering he's big and not considered that athletic, and he gets open easily because he's already so advanced from a WR fundamentals standpoint.  I think he could play any of the three WR spots, but doesn't have the speed to be a consistent deep threat (though his height/hands/body control will allow him to make plays downfield more than people think).  It seems silly that I'm saying this about a supposed 2*, but I consider Zanellato a can't miss.  That's not to say he'll be a star, but I can't envision a scenario under which he doesn't become, at worst, a solid contributor for multiple years. 

TDiddy

Looks can be deceiving sometimes.  There are some people who will be permanently opposed to this signing, because no goofy looking white boy (copyright Gemrich) should be taken seriously as a WR.  History would solidify that stance, BUT there are occasional caveats from the norm.  Zanellato appears to be one such caveat.  Yes, he was lightly recruited...only receiving one other D-1 offer before committing to PSU.  No, he does not possess gamebreaking top-end speed or a chart busting vertical leap.  But, his film reveals the textbook definition of a player that every team needs...a chain mover.  He presents a big target (6'4", 200 lbs.), runs rather polished routes for a HS kid, possesses quick feet, and has exceptional hands.  But, what makes Zanellato a truly rare prospect is his mentality.  He plays the game like a LB...at the WR position.  He's physical, tenacious, and a rather intense competitor...rare qualities found in a flanker.  Plus, he's productive against tough competition.  At the VA Division 6 level, he amassed nearly 100 rec for over 1700 yds and 21 TD's his senior season...impressive enough to rank 1st in the State and 8th Nationally in receiving.  Furthermore, he's a big game player.  His HS playoff numbers...5-133-1, 10-144-2, 8-168-2.  Throw in 4-126-1 at the Chesapeake Bowl when matched up against some impressive secondary recruits (Dondi Kirby, Sheldon Royster, Kyshoen Jarrett, Lafayette Pitts).  He's even the type of kid who you can feel confident will do the "dirty" things well...like blocking.  Needless to say, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic.  I've heard two common comparisons to Zanellato...Joe Jurevicius and Ed McCaffrey.  I doubt Zanellato ever gets up to the size of Jurevicius, who was more similarly built to Brett Brackett.  However, the McCaffrey (6'5, 215) comparison fits the mold both in physical traits and style of play.  Hopefully, his career comes close to a mirror of McCaffrey's productiveness.  There are still a few areas of concern.  He could improve his initial burst off the line, and I would like to see some improvement in his ability to make additional yards after the catch, which will only make him more effective on short routes.  He will also need to add some weight to enable his body to handle going across the middle.  With that said, I agree with Gemrich...it is difficult for me to imagine a scenario in which he is not a solid contributor for at least 2 seasons.

Quote:
“I called Coach Johnson on Saturday after my game and I told him I want to accept the offer,” explained Zanellato. “He asked me if I was sure and I told him I was never so sure about anything in my life. He said sweet and welcome to the family"

Seltz: 

Gotta give Fitz the credit here as he was the first I saw anywhere mentioning this kid as one to watch. He is usually spot on with these things, and he didnt disappoint me here. You see his film and he immediately shows he is a worthy prospect. I have little doubt he will be an effective football player barring injury. He shows an ability to play under control and use all of his tools. He uses that big frame well to create space and just make catches and plays. He uses some fine fundamentals to give himself space and separation. Excellent field awareness has to be mentioned, as well as a superb concentration level. Kid is just a disciplined overall ballplayer. I am a big fan of WR's who, when the ball is in the air, feel it is THEIR ball, and they go get it...he does. He uses his hands well getting them out there to catch the ball, and they appear to be very good hands. Anyone labeling him as 'slow', arent watching. He is not a blazer by any means, maybe his biggest 'weakness', but he has a solid gliding/flowing speed. Next I may go with initial explosion off the line. He makes up for it with his knowledge/technique on 'how to get open', but hey, why not work on having as much of the total package as possible. Honestly, I would take the chance at keeping him at the line with an in your face physical approach as I think he looks to football intelligent to be bothered by a zone D. And he still might be beating you there with his technique and already solid size. If/when he fills out, he will be tough to handle on a play to play basis in my opinion. Really, really like this kids overall game.