Hank Zilinskas credits his competitive drive to growing up in a household of former and future Division I offensive linemen.
“Everything was a competition,” Zilinskas said.
His dad, John, played for UCLA in the 1980s blocking for quarterback Troy Aikman. His older brother, Gus, played in six games as a freshman center last season at Rutgers. Hank — a senior Cherry Creek offensive lineman — is the next Zilinskas to carry on the family’s proud college football tradition.
His journey will start in Boulder as the second in-state commitment for the University of Colorado’s 2023 recruiting class.
“It’s been great,” said Zilinskas, who announced his decision last week on Twitter. “My friends, family and people I have grown up with are really excited because they get to see me play in college. The reaction has been very positive.”
Zilinskas, a three-star prospect according to 247Sports.com, chose the Buffaloes over reported scholarship offers from Colorado State, Kansas State, Nevada, Penn and Utah State. The 6-foot-3, 274-pound recruit is expected to play either center or guard at the next level. He’s showcased talent at both positions as a three-time Class 5A state champion with the Bruins.
“A few games into last season when our starting center got hurt, coach (Dave) Logan asked me to play center. I had to step up,” Zilinskas said. “It was a little bit tough at first. But my teammates helped me push through it and learn the position. I’m very grateful for them.”
Cherry Creek has a strong tradition of producing Division I football recruits. Zilinskas entered the program with a role model in offensive tackle George Fitzpatrick, who signed to Ohio State last year. Zilinskas called Fitzpatrick the “hardest working kid I’ve ever seen.” It helped inspire Zilinskas to transform his body in the weight room.
“I came into freshman year at 180 pounds. Now, I’m 274 pounds,” Zilinskas said. “The weight room has a lot to do with that. I can tell by getting stronger every day.”
Zilinskas joins tight end Andrew Metzger (Regis Jesuit) as Colorado products committed to the next wave of Buffaloes. He credits a strong relationship with CU offensive line coach Kyle DeVan and a decision-affirming official visit to campus in June. Zilinskas expects the number of in-state commitments to rise ahead of the early December signing period.
“There is always good talent in Colorado,” Zilinskas said. “Coach (Karl) Dorrell and the new staff have made it a huge point to keep the best recruits in the state. I do think there is a good chance for a few more Colorado players that sign with CU.”
Colorado’s top 10 college football recruits for Class of 2023
Breaking down the Top 10 college football prospects in Colorado from the Class of 2023. Recruiting information provided by 247Sports.com’s composite ratings as of Tuesday afternoon.
1. Blake Purchase, Cherry Creek
Outside linebacker | 6-foot-3 | 240
Recruiting profile: 4 stars
Scholarship offers: Arizona State, California, Colorado, Colorado State, Iowa State, Kansas, Marshall, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Oregon State, Texas Tech, UNLV, USC, Utah State, Washington, Washington State.
2. Brayden Dorman, Vista Ridge
Quarterback | 6-5 | 206
Recruiting profile: 4 stars
Committed: Arizona
3. Joshua Bates, Durango
Offensive line | 6-3 | 305
Recruiting profile: 3 stars
Committed: Oklahoma
4. Chase Brackney, Cherry Creek
Defensive end | 6-4 | 285
Recruiting profile: 3 stars
Committed: Iowa
5. Ethan Thomason, Rocky Mountain
Offensive line | 6-8 | 315
Recruiting profile: 3 stars
Scholarship offers: BYU, Colorado, Colorado State, Indiana, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Michigan State, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Tennessee, Texas Tech, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Washington State.
6. Ismael Cisse, Cherry Creek
Wide receiver | 6-1 | 180
Recruiting profile: 3 stars
Scholarship offers: California, Colorado, Colorado State, Nevada, UNLV, USC, Wyoming.
7. Hayden Moore, Regis Jesuit
Linebacker | 6-3 | 210
Recruiting profile: 3 stars
Committed: Nebraska
8. Zachary Henning, Grandview
Offensive line | 6-6 | 275
Recruiting profile: 3 stars
Committed: Washington
9. Brandon Hills, Vista Ridge
Wide receiver | 5-8 | 150
Recruiting profile: 3 stars
Committed: Washington State
10. Andrew Metzger, Regis Jesuit
Tight end | 6-5 | 235
Recruiting profile: 3 stars
Committed: Colorado
