Zach Olinger makes one of his 89 tackles
LB Zach Olinger burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2010 with several strong performances, especially a break out game vs. Yale at the Bowl.
He was slowed by injuries in 2011, but came on strong last year to lead the team in tackles and the defense in every emotional way as well.
One of his most important morale-building plays of 2012 came early in the 2nd quarter of the week four game at Lehigh. With the Mountain Hawks leading 14-0 at that point, everything seemed to be going wrong for the Lions.
Starting a possession on his own four yard line, Lehigh QB Michael Colvin eventually faced a 3rd and seven at the seven. Columbia got good pressure on Colvin on the play and he just let the ball loose on what looked like a blind throw into the middle of the field.
Bad idea.
Olinger was somehow ready for the surprise gift, picked the ball off at the 14 and then trotted untouched into the end zone for a TD.
It was to be Columbia’s only defensive TD of 2012, and it gave the Lions some momentary hope with the score now 14-7 and almost three full quarters left to play.
Olinger finished the season with three INT’s, tying him with LB Mike Waller for the team lead and to go along with his team leading 89 tackles.
Keeping Olinger healthy and on his game is a crucial piece of the puzzle for Columbia in 2013.
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