If you took a look at Zach Bauman’s numbers in a Lumberjack uniform to this point, you would think he would have at least three seasons under his belt.But Bauman is now only a junior. His 2,494 rushing yards in just 22 games over his freshman and sophomore seasons makes him fifth all-time in school history, the only Lumberjack in history to rush for over 1,000 yards in his first two seasons and ranked 10th among FCS rushers in career rushing yards.
All of those numbers don’t lie, and it I safe to say that Bauman is one of the most explosive backs ever in Flagstaff.
“It’s been great so far,” said Bauman. “I’ve had great support from coaches, teammates, my family. This is what we set out to do. I’ve been working hard and to actually come in and play is actually a blessing.”
Bauman first made a name for himself on the high school gridiron for the Hamilton Huskies where he won multiple state championships and set records there as well. He set Hamilton’s single season record for touchdowns and scoring.
Since, Bauman has taken his play to another level. But finds it most rewarding that he has been able to grow as a player while staying in-state the entire time.
“I’m from Phoenix, Phoenix is all I know and that’s where I grew up,” explained Bauman. “For me to just come two hours away, it’s great to be up here.”
All of these numbers that Bauman has put up in his first two years have landed him on the Walter Payton Award watch list going into 2012. He sports the number 34 just like the Sweetness as well. Coincidence?
“That’s my favorite player of all-time,” Bauman said. “When I was six years-old, my Dad put me in 34 and told me Walter Payton and I ran with it and have been 34 ever since.”
Winning awards and setting school records are all in the back of Bauman’s mind, but in the fore-front is the Lumberjacks upcoming season. He, along with his teammates have big expectations for their team this season.
“For a team aspect nobody sets out to be second place so we’re after a national championship,” Bauman mentioned. “For myself, 2,000 yards, 25 touchdowns.”
Bauman and the Lumberjacks kick-off their 2012 season in Tempe against ASU on August 30.
