Zach DeNike – US-WR-Import für Mödling

Seit Anfang März ist unser neuer Wide Receiver Zach DeNike in Mödling. Er nimmt seither intensiv am Training teil, um einerseits das System der Rangers Offense zu lernen und andererseits mit seiner College-Erfahrung die österreichischen Spieler besser zu machen.

Neben seiner Hauptaufgabe wird Zach auch den einen oder anderen Spielzug als Runningback eingesetzt werden.  Seine Athletik und seine außergewöhnliche Schnelligkeit sind auch an dieser Position enorm wertvoll. Nach seiner College-Karriere war Zach DeNike sehr nahe an einem Engagement in der National Football League NFL, wurde jedoch durch eine Verletzung gebremst. Wir sind froh, dass wir ihn für die aktuelle Saison gewonnen konnten, in der wir uns hohe Ziele gesteckt haben.

Für unsere Community haben wir Zach einige Kennenlern-Fragen gestellt:

How old are you?

I am 24 years old.

Where are you from? What’s special about your hometown?

I was born and raised in Old Tappan, NJ. This is a small town very close to New York City. It combines the charm of a small town and the opportunities of a major city, as it takes only 30 minutes to the center of New York.

What position are you playing for the Rangers?

I was appointed as a wide receiver, but I will also play as kick returner, punt returner, and runningback.

What is the crucial skill for your position?

A wide receiver needs to create separation, and he has to run clear routes.

What Football skills are you best at?

I see myself as an allround offensive weapon. I am fast and agile. I make defense players miss their objectives.

Why are you playing football instead of any other sports?

I was an allround sport when I was in high school. After high school I had several offers from highly ranked colleges (division 1 scholarships) as a football player. That made me focus on football – and I love it.

Did you perform any other sports before or besides American Football?

Yes, at high school I performed quite some sports: baseball, track running, lacrosse and others.

Who’s your favourite NFL player and why?

Julian Edelman, formerly playing with the New England Patriots.

What is your favorite NFL team and why?

My favorite team are the New York Giants, they are playing in my neighborhood. For the same reason my second favorite team are the Jets.

What was your greatest success in life?

At college I was all time second in all-purpose yards. I am very proud that I was able to achieve that.

Why did you choose Austria? Was it because of the country or because of the team itself?

I was supported to play in the Canadian Football League, but then the season was cancelled due to corona. I attended several pro days with NFL teams, but I got no opportunity to play. Then I had several talks with teams in the German Football League and in the Austrian League. I consider the Austrian Football League as a top tier League. The Rangers made me feel like family, so I took the chance.

What do you want to see or learn about Austria?

I want to see the Music Museum and several other museums, I want to learn about Austrian history. Maybe I get the chance to travel other European countries.

What are your goals for this season (beside winning the championship)?

I want to score as many Touchdowns for the Rangers as possible, I want to win games. I want to help the team improving and winning.

Who was the first person of the team you met?

I first met Quarterback Benni Bräuer, he is an awesome guy. He immediately made me feel at home.

Anything else you’d like to tell the rangers community?

2022 will be a great season for the Rangers! We can use any support by the community. I am proud to be in Mödling and spread my knowledge.