Michiko Araki
Defensive lineman Zach Minter finally got the call last week to start in his first ever CFL game.
The first year Lion from Glendale, Arizona got his first career start against the Montreal Alouettes in the team’s pivotal 26-15 win that saw a more focused defence fighting for every play.
“It was awesome,” he says about his first career start. “Our defence did great and it’s always great to be a part of something like that. So for my first game back, I think it was pretty good.”
A win for his first CFL start? He’ll take it.
The last time Zach had a chance to see the field was back in June for the Lions’ pre-season games against Calgary and Edmonton, and he’s been itching to get back on the field ever since.
“I wouldn’t say [I was] super nervous, but there were some nerves,” he recalls. “I just wanted to do well and to play the best that I could. There’s always some jitters before the game, especially for your first start. Once I got to the game, it felt good.”
Since the preseason, Zach has switched back and forth between being a game day scratch from the 46-man roster and being on the one game injured list. When you’re not sure about starting – let alone playing – week in and week out, mental preparation is the key to success.
“Being on that list, it’s such short notice,” he explains. “It could be the day before [when] they say that you’re up. I was very excited when I found out I was actually going to get snaps on Thursday.”
With such short notice, the pre-game jitters are sure to follow, especially for someone about to start in their first CFL game. For Zach, preparing for a game involves getting his mind right to make sure he can perform at his best on game day.
“I want to relax, go over my assignments,” he explains. “Make sure that I know what I’m doing and that my teammates can trust that I’ll be in the right position. I listen to music, take some quiet time, some prayer – just make sure that all parts of my well-being are ready for battle.”
Prior to the Lions, Zach signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2013 and made the team’s 53-man roster. The following year, he had short stints with the Cincinnati Bengals and the Dallas Cowboys before making his way up north to play for the Lions.
“In the NFL, I was with 3 different teams – Chicago, Cincinnati, and the Cowboys. It’s my third year out and I want to put together a full season healthy and strong and get another Grey Cup here. ”
Aside from having the chance to start in his first CFL game, how has his time with the team been so far this season?
“I’m the new guy, for sure,” he laughs. “I really enjoy the guys on the d-line – I feel like we click well, especially the different characters like Khreem Smith, Westerman, Brooks, Roh, Menard, our first rounder Ese and everyone else… they’re all good guys, and they’re fun to be around, so it makes my job easier.”
Working with a tight knit group of guys has made Zach’s time with the team enjoyable, and he’s looking forward to playing in front of the fans at BC Place.
“I’m gonna give them all that I’ve got,” he says. “I’m going to give the fans all that I have, whether it be on the field or off the field. I’m here to make the best of my opportunity. ”