RECRUITING

Prospect Profile: Dowling lineman Zach Ross a dominant 2018 blocker

Chris Cuellar
The Des Moines Register
Dowling Catholic's offense racked up more than seven yards per play last season, and having Zach Ross (75, with pink headwear) on the line helps that cause.

WEST DES MOINES, Ia. — Zach Ross exemplifies just how dominant Dowling Catholic’s offensive line has been.

The 6-foot-3, 300-pound junior is ready to become a rare three-year starter up front for the defending Class 4A champions, and head coach Tom Wilson can stash him at guard.

That kind of size and ability can’t hide at most high schools, but the Maroons have the depth to allow Ross to excel where he’s being recruited.

Iowa State was the first — and for more than a year, the only — scholarship offer the interior line prospect had, and he’s kept his eyes on college football ever since.

“I really think Iowa State was ahead of the curve on this one,” Dowling Catholic coach Tom Wilson said last month. “Zach is a tough, physical blocker, and he’s already got the frame.

“I’m not sure what a lot of other people are waiting on.”

Ross has since added a scholarship offer from Colorado State, but junior day visits and interest from Iowa, Kansas State and Minnesota have yet to materialize into offers.

A native of Des Moines’ south side, Ross was an all-district player for Lincoln as a freshman. He’s fit in well on the field at Dowling, where senior Peter Nank (6-5, 300 pounds) and sophomore Jesse Alger (6-4, 310) took the offensive tackle spots last season. Nank is a Miami of Ohio signee. Ross was an All-Iowa Elite team selection by the Register last season. 

He attended Nike’s Opening Regional in Chicago earlier this month and intends to participate in Rivals’ Adidas Combine later this spring to boost his Power Five profile.

 

“His length probably makes him a guard or center at the next level,” Wilson said, “but he’s one of the top linemen I’ve had the opportunity to coach here.”

Dowling averaged seven yards per play last season and led 4A with 3,709 rushing yards en route to its fourth consecutive title. Ross mauled the point of attack for that ground game, but still wants to get off the ball quicker and improve his footwork for next season.

The Register spoke with Ross after an offseason speed workout last month.

 

You’ve gone to some good programs for visits. What were those experiences like?

Zach Ross: At all of them, you talk to coaches and go to position meetings. Viewing the facilities and trying to see as much as you can. They have all been cool, and they all standout with their own cool factors.

When did you realize you wanted to play college football?

ZR: Right when I started high school, honestly. I’ve always loved football. It’s cool that I could have the opportunity to do that.

Is there an interior line position you’d prefer to play in college?

ZR: I play guard now, but I will play anywhere. guard, center, tackle, defense or offense. Wherever.

How do you think Dowling has prepared you for recruiting or playing at the next level?

ZR: You have to compete every day, because there are so many guys. My sophomore year when I first came over here, I had to compete to start. I picked up a lot from the older guys about how hard you have to work to play football here at Dowling.

Do you have a favorite returning Iowa high school football player who is gaining college football recruiting interest? Let us know. Send your ‘Prospect Profile’ idea from the 2018, 2019 or 2020 classes to Chris Cuellar via email atccuellar@dmreg.com.