:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46223900/usa-today-8095997.0.jpg)
The Skinny
Zwinak came into Penn State as a 4* RB/FB recruit (per Scout and Rivals) in the 2010 recruiting class. Zwinak didn't see significant playing time until 2012 when he was thrust into the fold following Silas Redd's transfer to USC. That year, Zach ran for exactly 1,000 yards on the ground. After his success in 2012, Zwinak ran for just shy of 1,000 yards the following year, his second in Bill O'Brien's offense. He also tallied 12 touchdowns. In his final season in blue and white, Zwinak was the third head of the running back monster, along with Bill Belton and Akeel Lynch, until falling to injury in the Ohio State game. He never really got things going in his senior season, unfortunately, accumulating just 112 yards on 40 carries and three touchdowns.
What You're Getting
Let's just be frank and outright here: Zach Zwinak is not an NFL running back prospect. While this is a fact, Zwinak still has potential as an NFL player. Due to his ability as a runner, blocker and pass catcher, he is seen as one of the top fullbacks in the draft, perhaps valuable enough to warrant a late-round selection. Although the position as been dwindling in use over the years, many of the NFL's teams still use full backs in one way or another. On top of his potential as a FB, Zwinak also should be able to serve as a key special teamer. If his Penn State work-ethic is any indication, Zwinak will help a team in any and every way that he can.
While all of this is great, he does face an uphill battle. He was unable to finish his Senior season due to a lower body injury sustained on a kickoff. Sadly, this wasn't his first major injury, either. In his true freshman season, he was unable to play due to another lower body injury. That's something that doesn't go unnoticed by NFL scouts.
tl;dr
Zwinak has a chance to make an NFL roster if his health checks out. It won't be any easy journey for him, as he'll constantly have to fight for a roster spot year in and year out, but he definitely has a shot. There is a shortage of true full backs in the NFL today, which just might be enough to get him onto a roster.