by Shawn Nowlin
Certain things excite people in the Roanoke community. A concrete example would be one of their own making it to the highest level of their chosen profession.
Standing 6’4 and weighing around 250 pounds today, Zach Horton has always been a large human being.
A Star City native, he attended both Lord Botetourt and Northside High Schools. A multi-star athlete, as a senior, he was ranked as a three-star football prospect by 247 Sports.
Before accepting a full athletic scholarship to James Madison University, Horton considered offers from Navy, Army, Air Force, Coastal Carolina and Eastern Michigan.
After three years of playing tight end for the Dukes, he followed his head coach Curt Cignetti and transferred to Indiana University (IU). In addition to four touchdowns, he also compiled 21 receptions and 189 yards during his senior year.
“A lot of people ask why did you follow coach Curt Cignetti, why did you make that decision instead of other schools,” Horton told the Daily Hoosier prior to his first IU game. “It’s all about complete buy-in, complete trust for what coach Cig is doing here.”
He added, “You do things like that and it can lead to major conference wins and bowl appearances. Just following coach Cig and buying what he sells you, what he believes in and his preparation and his process. He’s better than anyone at that in the country.”
One would expect some to lose all hope if they don’t get drafted in the NFL. In Horton’s case, after not hearing his name called in the first seven rounds in April, he continued to bring that Star City work ethic to work every day. Within weeks, he signed a three-year contract with the Detroit Lions for $2,980,000.
Those who have followed Horton’s career closely knew it was just a matter of time before he would get elevated from the practice squad. On Nov. 27, Horton made his first NFL appearance against Green Bay. Although the Packers won 31-24, Horton got a chance to show his potential.
For some longtime Detroit Lions fans, one question remains: Will Zach Horton be part of our squad for many years to come?
Fully aware of this, Horton won’t sugarcoat things. He knows that to stay in the NFL, he will have to outwork the competition and trust the process.
On Dec. 14, the Lions will play the Los Angeles Rams. When they take the field, many in the Roanoke Valley community will be rooting for No. 40.
