Tyler Zilen '14 Recruiting Profile

I am currently 6'3" and I weigh 230 pounds.  I work out on a daily basis to stay in shape, while also conditioning and improving my speed.  At the Nike SPARQ combine this year I ran a 4.9 for the 40 and a 4.31 in pro agility.  Over the summer I participated in a speed training program offered by St. Luke's Sports and Human Performance.  Coach Graham who offered the program was impressed with my speed when I entered the program and was even more impressed when I completed the program.  By the end of the program I ran a 4.70 for the 40 and 4.28 in pro agility.  He stated my speed was impressive for a player of my size.

I am very athletic and truly enjoy playing sports.  In the past I have enjoyed playing basketball, baseball and lacrosse.  However, football is my passion, which is why I have decided to dedicate my time and energy to making me a better and stronger football player and it has certainly paid off as my lifting has significantly increased and so has my speed.

In addition to being a two year captain on the varsity team I am also a three year "two-way" starter.  As proof of my conditioning in addition to playing on both sides of the ball, I also am part of the kick off return team.  Essentially I am on the football the entire game.  This would not be possible without the rigorous workout routine I perform daily.

On offense I play tight end; on defense I play defensive end and on special teams my position is kick returner.  Occasionally  due to a player being hurt they have moved me to wide received, defensive tackle, linebacker or somewhere they needed a strong, fast player.  I am an athlete and will play where my team needs me.  In the 2012 season I was name 2012 Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year.

I want to major in Criminal Justice and upon graduation from college enter into employment with the Pennsylvania State Police.  I have always had an interest in law enforcement.  In March 2013 as part of my senior project I had to job shadow.  For my job shadowing I chose to work with the local police department, Douglass Township.  I loved the experience I gained from this opportunity and it also fed my desire to pursue law enforcement.

When I'm not busy playing sports I enjoy hunting and fishing with my father and traveling the world with my family.  I also participate in local community projects which benefit my community and lend a hand to the young players of the Boyertown Optimist Football program.  I also enjoy being a mentor to young athletes at the Special Olympics; I find the experience truly rewarding and inspirational.

I am very versatile and would enjoy playing anywhere in the United States.  I am open to any type of college or university setting big or small.  If you are looking for a strong player with the passion to play football, then I want to play for you.  I have the passion, I have the drive, I have the ambition and I have the strength to lead your football team.