Holstein graduated high school early as a senior to begin training in the spring. He was originally recruited to the University of Alabama, where he spent his freshman year playing as a quarterback. Though many would be intimidated to graduate high school early and jump straight into training at the collegiate level, Holstein says that Zachary prepared him to excel academically and athletically.

“Zachary really prepared me academic-wise and athletic-wise. And as soon as I got there, I didn’t really skip a step. I went down there and knew what was expected of me school-wise and football-wise,” Holstein said.

After his first year at Alabama, Holstein decided to transfer to the University of Pittsburgh. As a Pittsburgh Panter, Holstein took over as quarterback and, over the course of the season, completed 30 of 40 passes for 336 yards and three touchdowns.

When asked about the key to his success, Holstein recalled his years at Zachary High. Without the long hours he spent practicing his throws on the school’s football field or memorizing the different plays at home, Holstein doesn’t believe he would be where he is today. His advice to any current high school players who hope to one day play in college is to put in extra work on and off the field.

“Do the little things right and put in extra work. You gotta get up here when nobody else is here. You gotta go over the plays. Make sure you know the plays like the back of your hand. Make sure you’re in the right spot. Know what you’re doing. Know what everybody else is doing. Come up here, run extra, throw extra. Do whatever you gotta do to get better,” Holstein said.

Think about Holstein’s advice if you’re interested in playing football at the college level. And keep an eye on Holstein in the 2024 season!