Zach Sammartino
Offensive Lineman – Dartmouth
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Zach Sammartino: I am 6’4, 315 pounds and 5.27.
Alex Khvatov: Where were you training for the NFL Draft?
Zach Sammartino: I did my draft prep at Grossetti Performance in New Castle, Pennsylvania.
Alex Khvatov: What were your overall results at your mock Pro Day?
Zach Sammartino: My mock pro day went very well. I posted the highest RAS of any interior OL at the combine. The results and tests are all filmed and posted on youtube as well for proof. I ran a 5.27 40, with a 1.71 ten-yard split, which ranked second for an OL at the combine. I ran a 4.60 20-yard shuttle and a 7.30 3-cone drill, which both ranked second for OL as well. My vertical was 31 inches which was 7th, and my broad was 107 inches, ranking 15th. I benched 27 reps, putting me in 7th. Like I said, I was measured at 6040, 315lbs, 33 1/4” arm, 81 3/8” wingspan and 10 1/4” hand. This equated to a 9.69 RAS and was higher than anyone in my position at the combine.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall experience at the College Gridiron Showcase all-star game.
Zach Sammartino: It was a fantastic opportunity. I enjoyed every second of it. It was a very organized event and gave me the chance to interview with many teams, as well over 150 scouts were there in total. It was a great chance for more exposure coming from an FCS school.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Zach Sammartino: Most of the MAC schools, Cincinnati, James Madison, and a couple Ivy League Schools were my top choices that I had the ability to go play at. There were plenty of other FCS schools, but Ivy and JMU were the main FCS schools intriguing me.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Dartmouth?
Zach Sammartino: I loved the college on my official visit. I loved being able to say four years from then that I graduated and had an Ivy League degree. They were the best team in the Ivy League. I won two championships with them and had several top 25 seasons and at times we were in the top 10. It is an all-around great place and there is something truly special about Dartmouth.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Zach Sammartino: Physically, I am a strong person and have a consistent leg drive. I always run through the block and I think that is why I am such a strong finisher in the run game. I also played a very cerebral game and had a strong knowledge of what the opponent does and I keep my eyes open and see the changes and blitzes on the fly very well.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Zach Sammartino: At Dartmouth, we were a run heavy team, running the ball 60-70% my last two seasons, so that allowed us to benefit in the play action game. That also made my pass sets very flat and aggressive, so I’ve been working on getting a bit more depth in my initial set.
Alex Khvatov: Tell us about your overall career.
Zach Sammartino: I had a fast start and was one of five freshmen to see game action, but I played through a shoulder injury that season and redshirted my sophomore year. I never had a shoulder issue since then and came back with a chip on my shoulder, playing all ten games the next year. Then becoming a full-time starter, the last two years, never missing a game. I earned 1st team All-Ivy, receiving the most votes of any OL in the conference. I also was named to the D1 All New England Team, which comprised of FBS and FCS schools in the area. We won Ivy Championships both my freshman and my senior season.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Zach Sammartino: My fifth year, we went 9-1, played in Yankee Stadium in a battle of top 10 teams which we won convincingly, and won the Ivy League. That year was a special season and I would have to say that entire season was the highlight of my career. It had a lot of great moments including a 4th quarter comeback from 12 points down in the last game of the year to win the Ivy League.
Alex Khvatov: What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?
Zach Sammartino: That last year I just talked about, I was the only returning starter on the O-Line and we were looked at as the weak link of the team. I ran meetings every day and held extra workouts for the OL that entire off season leading up to camp to make sure, we would not be a weak link. My teammates and I were able to turn our O-Line into a strength, as we led the league in rushing and fewest sacks allowed.
Alex Khvatov: What was the biggest thing that you took away from your coaching staff?
Zach Sammartino: My coach taught me a greater understanding of the game. Coming into college, I watched my opponent and only my opponent on film. Coach Clark taught me the big picture. He showed me safety rotations and how that was a sure fire tell for what the defense would do. He taught me how formations can inhibit the defense from blitzing and turn on or off the nickel or corner blitz. Pre-snap, I would look at the defensive backs and second level players as much as I did the D line.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for an OL?
Zach Sammartino: They need to have a good bend and good agility and footspeed, so that you’re never out of the play. If you have good feet, you always have a chance to win the rep.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Zach Sammartino: I grew up in Pittsburgh and was a football fan, so it was always the Steelers.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Zach Sammartino: David DeCastro.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Zach Sammartino: Niko Mermigas and Drew Estrada.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the toughest player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Zach Sammartino: Michael Hoecht from Brown. That was a fun game. We beat them to win the championship and we battled each other all day.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Zach Sammartino: The feeling of moving a player from point A to point B against his will. There is no better feeling than that.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Zach Sammartino: Being at school turned me into a pretty big fisherman. I spent countless days on the lake with our right tackle and like to fish whenever I can.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Zach Sammartino: I want to go into financial planning.
