Q&A with Josh Zidenberg
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By Raj Sagar
Virginia Athletics Media Relations
What were your biggest accomplishments as a running back in high school at Poquoson High?
Zidenberg: My senior season, I rushed for 2,800 yards which is fifth all time in Virginia state history and I was the first player in our area to rush for 2,000 yards in 10 games or less (eight games).
Describe your road from high school phenom to recruited walk-on to finally where you’ve ended up here, as a four year player.
Zidenberg: It has definitely been a roller coaster ride. I had what some would say was a pretty good high school career and was fortunate that Virginia gave me the opportunity to come in and show what I had to offer. I showed them something they were interested in and they put me on the field. Since then I’ve cherished every minute of it.
Talk about the recruiting process that you went through in high school.
Zidenberg: It was very strange in that I got letters from everybody, but then slowly most people stopped talking to me completely. Mike London was my recruiter and Virginia was one of the schools that always stayed in contact with me. They wanted me to come in and play safety, but I always thought I was a better offensive player than defensive player in high school. I had a bunch of I-AA offers, but I felt like with what I did in high school and the numbers I put up, I could play at a big time I-A program, and I didn’t want to settle for anything less. Virginia was one of the schools that stuck with me and I’ve been thankful they did. I had a good summer and the special teams coach gave me a shot and liked what I brought to the table.
If you had to give an aspiring high school football player who is looking to walk on somewhere a piece of advice, what would you say?
Zidenberg: Definitely don’t let the small things get you down. It is very easy to get frustrated and upset with some of the things that are going on. Often you will think that you’re not getting the same opportunity that some of the scholarship players are, but I’m a firm believer if you just stick in there and keep putting in the work, eventually someone is going to notice that, and once they do and put you in there, then you just have to make the most of your opportunity.
What different areas of the game are you involved in specifically?
Zidenberg: I play on punt return and punt coverage. On kickoffs I am the fourth man in or what we call the L4, and on kickoff returns I am the left end.
Since special teams may be a thankless and mostly immeasurable part of the game, what motivates you?
Zidenberg: My own personal drive is my main motivation. My mentality is that I am doing my job not because I want to hear praise from people, but because I know it is going to help the team win. I play because I enjoy it, and I have the satisfaction of knowing I did my part, whether it’s overlooked or not.
What differences do you notice between this year’s team and the team you were a part of as a freshman?
Zidenberg: The team I was on as a freshman was during [Marcus] Hagans’ junior year, and we were ranked No. 6 at one point. The main difference was that this team is a lot closer knit. That team might have had some bigger names, but the guys on this team have been through a lot together. Ten guys played as true freshmen and now we’re all finally seniors which make us very close.
Talk about your personal best moment in Virginia football.
Zidenberg: It has to be blocking the punt last year against Wyoming. None of the touchdowns I scored in high school gave me the same feeling I had blocking that punt, maybe because it is so rare in football. Especially to do it in front of 60,000 people in a tight game like that has to be my highlight so far.
What are your goals as well as the team’s ultimate goal for the year?
Zidenberg: Our collective goal is definitely to win the ACC championship. Anything less than that would be a disappointment. My personal goal is to do whatever it takes to help the team win. Whether I play 30 plays or two plays, if we’re winning, then that’s all I really care about.
You broke your leg sophomore year at Miami; does that injury still affect how you play at all?
Zidenberg: This year it has definitely felt better than it has in the past. I feel like I have done a pretty good job about not thinking about it, blocking it out and just staying focused on making the play.
What are your post-graduation plans and do you want to stay involved in football?
Zidenberg: I want go to grad school and possibly do a GA (graduate assistant) program. I haven’t decided if I wanted to coach, but I have a real passion for strength and conditioning, so if I did coach I’d love to be in that area.
If you could compare yourself to one NFL player, who would it be?
Zidenberg: Bill Bates, an old special teams player for the Dallas Cowboys. The way he approached the game was something I wanted to pattern myself after. He was a gritty, hard-nosed player who always did whatever it took to get the job done.
Where do you think you’ve acquired most of your values and morals from?
Zidenberg: Growing up, my mom and I were always really close. She instilled in me that nothing is going to be handed to you and nothing is easy, but as long as you keep persevering, you will succeed.
Talk about the way you feel about being a part of the tradition of Virginia Football.
Zidenberg: It’s an honor just to put on the blue and orange. Everyone should carry themselves that way and wear the colors with pride, especially out on the football field. If not, you shouldn’t be wearing it because there are a lot of people who came before us and have done great things in it. Virginia football will always be a part of me and one of the most important things in my life. It is something that I will always remember and enjoy.