Any die-hard Miami football fan recognizes the name Zac Dysert. After suffering from an injury last year (lacerated spleen- ouch!), our quarterback appeared in his first game against Missouri on September 3rd. Although the Redhawks were unsuccessful in their attempt to take down the Tigers, he proved that he’s back on top.
Zac is #6 on Miami’s list of all-time Top Ten footballers and could be on his way to becoming an NFL star player. With a tough, exciting season ahead, we’re all anxious to see what Dysert’s future holds.Â
 HC: When did you first begin playing football?
 ZD: I first started playing football when I was in fourth grade.
HC: Â Is there a history of athletics in your family?
ZD: My father played football and basketball in high school and college. I have an uncle and cousin that played basketball in college too.
HC: When and why did you choose Miami?
ZD: I chose Miami because I loved the campus and fell in love with everything about it right when I got here. I was also very close and comfortable with the coaches on the previous staff. I had about 20 offers coming out of high school but Miami just felt like the right place for me.
HC: What is the hardest part about playing football?
ZD: All of the extra time you must put in outside of practice to be successful—like watching films, studying the playbook, and lifting.
HC: What has been your greatest accomplishment involving your sport so far?
ZD: The first thing that comes to mind would be winning the MAC championship last year, especially since it has been so long since the last time Miami won such a great award.Â
HC: What else do you like to do during the free time that you do have?
 ZD: I love just hanging out with my friends, relaxing. I’m a really big movie guy. I also like to play video games and basketball.
HC: Do you have any superstitions or rituals before going on the field?
ZD: I always pray before I go out to the field, and when I stretch I have to make sure my back cracks during a certain stretch.
HC: What is your favorite bar and restaurant at Miami?
ZD: Stadium would have to be my favorite bar–especially since one of my very good buddies works there. My favorite restaurant would probably have to be Mac N Joe’s. Even though that’s kind of a bar too, I love their food.
HC: Do you hope and plan on going into the NFL? What are your favorite NFL teams to watch?
ZD: That is my ultimate goal and has been a dream of mine all my life. That’s been my motivation and what has made me work so hard to become the player I am today. My favorite NFL teams are the Indianapolis Colts and the Pittsburgh Steelers.Â
HC: Who has given you the most guidance and advice regarding your sport?Â
ZD: My dad and high school football coach would have to be the people that have given me the most advice and guidance in my football career. My last quarterback coach, Morris Watts, was also very helpful to me when it came to football and anything else in general. If I had any kind of problem, I always knew I could go to him for advice.Â
HC: Do you feel pressured by the attention and comparisons to successful players like Roethlisberger?
ZD: I just feel honored and privileged to be compared to such high caliber players.