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Overview
A blocking specialist with marginal ability as a receiving threat, Zinger struggled to generate much of an impact in the passing game throughout his career at LSU. In fact, over his final two seasons with the Tigers, Zinger caught just three combined passes. Injuries and illness (staph infection) robbed Zinger of much of his 2006 season, and he was granted an extra year of eligibility.
Analysis
Positives: Effective blocker due to high effort and good technique ... Good initial quickness off the snap ... Generates some pop with his initial hand punch and works to remain engaged ... Good hand placement and lower body drive ... Looks to block at the second level ... Shows some savvy in getting through the trash at the line of scrimmage to release into his routes ... Adequate hands ... High effort player ...
Negatives: Lacks preferred size and athleticism ... Essentially a one trick pony as a blocking tight end ... Adequate hands, but only marginal athleticism causes him to struggle to generate much separation from defenders ... Lacks burst and explosiveness to gain yardage after the catch or blow through tackles ... Has struggled through various injuries and illnesses (staph infection) throughout his career.
Career Notes
Finished his career with 15 catches for 209 yards and one touchdown in 41 games for the Tigers ... Caught a career-high seven passes in 2005.
High School
Powerful tight end who ended his senior season as one of the best prospects in the state ... Ranked as the nation's No. 13 tight end by Rivals.com ... Member of FSN South's Countdown to Signing Day "All-South" First Team, Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100, Baton Rouge Advocate Second Dozen, the New Orleans Times-Picayune's Top 25 Blue-Chip list, Alexandria Town Talk All-Central Louisiana Team, Lake Charles American Press All-Southwest Louisiana team and the Shreveport Times' Top 20 ... First-team 4A all-state selection ... Finished the regular season with 322 yards on 23 receptions and two touchdowns ... Also played defensive end for the Wampus Cats ... Caught 14 passes for more than 300 yards his junior season ... Coached by Kevin Magee.
Personal
Full name is Keith Jackson Zinger ... Born on Oct. 9, 1984, in Heidleberg, Germany ... Married to the former Ashley McKenzie ... Parents are Randy and Michele Zinger ... Has four siblings, Clinton, Gareth, Priscilla, and Biancia ... Majoring in general studies.
