#4 Zach Kauffman

Nickname: ZK
Height: 5′ 11″
Weight: 165 lbs
Position: D-Line cutter
Years w/ESN: A 2010-2013
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Yardley, PA
Former Teams:

  • PHS Boys Varsity, 2007-2009
  • DEVYL Youth club, 2008-2010

E-mail: zak10 AT pitt.edu

Awards:

  • 2010 Metro East Freshman of the Year 2nd Team

2010 Metro East Freshman of the Year 2nd Team
Zach Kauffman, known to his teammates as ZK (or Z3), came into Pitt as an unproven high-school talent with infinite potential.

After a strong freshmen campaign, ZK lost a very controversial Freshman of the Year race with teammate Isaac Saul. Although his teammates and many opponents rooted for him to receive the award, Pitt would have to settle for a FOTY sweep as ZK landed a 2nd-team FOTY award. This, however, would be the 2nd year in a row two dominant Pitt freshmen swept the award ceremony (starting with Alex Thorne and Tyler DeGirolamo). With a name most people didn’t even know before the college season began, ZK earned a reputation by being an absolute gamer.

There is no category (except maybe smack-talking) that ZK stands out above all his teammates. He doesn’t have the best throws, he isn’t the fastest or most athletic, he isn’t the most experienced and he doesn’t have the most dominant defense. But, you could make a very strong case for Kauffman as Pitt’s most complete player. Unlike many of his teammates, there is no hole is Zach’s game. He has seen the field on the most pivotal offensive points, the most important defensive points, and is always a first-option for an injury sub.

His consistency with and around the disc should not take away from the play making ability that he posseses. Like some sporting icons who have dominated because of their fundamentals (Tim Duncan comes to mind), ZK will always show a burst of raw talent and athleticism when the team needs it most. Whether it be a lightning fast upline cut or a fancy IO break, Zach led Pitt’s freshmen class of 2013 with clutch, reliable, and consistent play.

After following his breakout freshmen year with another strong sophomore campaign, Zach found himself in a leader position on Pitt’s dominant D-line. Before the 2011 Spring season was halfway through, ZK was a premier voice in the huddle, on the sideline, and during strategical planning.

His brains backed his poise in a way that left his teammates relying on his presence – so much so that Mr. Kauffman was nominated and voted into one of three Captain positions for the upcoming 2012 season.

-Written by Isaac Saul