WPIAL Alum Q&A – Jesse Zubik

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, November 14, 2016 | 3:47 PM

While the Avonworth football team has been on the WPIAL radar courtesy of some impressive playoff runs in recent years, the play of a former Antelope is also making headlines. Former Avonworth standout Jesse Zubik has produced a monster season as Washington and Jefferson College, putting up some of the best receiving numbers in all of DIII football. Consequently, the latest installment of WPIAL Alum Q&A will take a closer look at Zubik.

As a member of the Antelopes in 2012, Zubik notched 330 yards receiving and three touchdowns as a junior. That season, Avonworth concluded its campaign with a record of 5-5, including a first-round playoff loss to Rochester.

In 2013, Zubik’s production increased significantly, as he eclipsed 500 yards receiving, with 13 touchdowns. His improvement paralleled the team’s progress, as the Lopes went 9-2, including a first-round playoff win against Laurel, before bowing out in the quarterfinals.

Following his graduation from Avonworth, Zubik continued his playing career at Washington and Jefferson College. With the Presidents, Zubik has easily surpassed his high-school accomplishments, as he’s been a two-time All-Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) performer, with another accolade surely to follow this season.

As a freshman, Zubik hauled in 55 passes for 881 yards, and scored 10 touchdowns. That season, the Presidents went 10-2, including a first-round playoff win against Wittenberg in the DIII postseason.

Zubik built upon that season by again catching 55 passes in 2015, albeit in three fewer games. In addition to replicating his number of receptions, he increased his yardage to 1,054, and added nine scores. W&J completed the season with a mark of 8-2.

This season has been a phenomenal one for Zubik, though, as he’s contributed 84 catches for 1,316 yards and 16 touchdowns. Furthermore, he’s had four games of more than 150 yards receiving, and five multi-score performances. Also, in the regular-season finale, he broke the school’s career receiving mark. Consequently, Washington and Jefferson has again accumulated a record of 8-2, with the ECAC Presidents Bowl against Brockport State this Friday still remaining.

Jesse took time from his season to answer questions about his greatest asset as a receiver, his fondest high school memory, and which NFL player he’d most like to face.

Q: Your receiving numbers have increased drastically in each of your three seasons. How have you been able to continue improving by such a significant amount?

A: Hard work; Experience. Each year, I work harder and harder to make sure that I never take a step back. I expect a lot out of myself, and know that I can continue to improve every year. The key is to never be satisfied.

Q: What do you believe is your greatest skill as a receiver?

A: Speed

Q: In addition to your work on the practice field, what other methods allow you to develop a connection with your QB?

A: Repetition and strong communication

Q: How would you evaluate your team’s performance this season?

A: At W&J, our team is held to a high standard. That starts with all the players on the team. We know what we are capable of, and we are improving every week. 

Q: What has been your favorite college venue to play in, aside from your home games?

A: Thiel College

Q: What led to your decision to attend W&J?

A: Great football and great education

Q: What is your major and ideal future profession?

A: Financial Economics; Financial Adviser

Q: What has been your most enjoyable class in college?

A: Microeconomics

Q: What is your top high school memory?

A: Beating Northgate my junior year in overtime. 

Q: Avonworth has had some very successful seasons in recent years, including another playoff appearance this year. Have you been able to see the team at all or follow along?

A: I have been able to follow along. I was not able to make a game this year.

Q: What is your favorite movie or TV show?

A: Prison Break

Q: If you could meet anyone in the world, who would you pick?

A: Sidney Crosby

Q: What is your favorite hobby or best way to spend free time?

A: Boating with my friends

Q: Which NFL defensive back would like most like to face one-on-one?

A: Richard Sherman

Tags: Avonworth