2024 interview with Zander (The Scientist) Hurn from Symmes Valley

Zander Hurn 

Symmes Valley High School

OL/DE

2026

6’1 230

In watching some of your hudl highlights, you seem to get off of the guy trying to block you, get through traffic, and explode into the ball carrier. How much of this comes from coaching, raw talent, and watching game films?

I think the coaching I have and the films I have access to and the ability to watch play a very big part in my game. I take time to breakdown every position on the field during a play, what they do, and their body language. My coaches do a terrific job of breaking down the film for the team as well as helping break down the game plan for our team every week. 

What do you believe the strongest part of your game is?

I personally believe the strongest part of my game is my ability to shed a block and track the ball carrier down. 

Could you share some of the camps you have been to and then share with us some of the things you are learning to improve your game?

I have attended the University of Kentucky, Morehead State, and Marshall University. I am working on being more explosive off the ball and making my hands more violent for shedding blockers and pass-rushing. 

What was the highlight of the 2023 season?

I think the highlight of the 23 season was how well we got along as a team to pull together a comeback against Green. 

Which game are you looking forward to the most this season?

This year, the game I am looking forward to the most is Green. I think it will be a very good and competitive game. I am also looking forward to seeing the new adjustments their new head coach, Larry Hall, will make. 

Would you rather play your rival in the opening week of the season or in the final week? Explain

I would rather play my rival in the final week of the season. I think this is because I would like to play them at their best and most experienced, and with us at our best.

What are your personal goals for the season?

My personal goal this year is to help lead our team to win our conference.

What goals are you setting for the team?

Our goals as a team, I feel, are to win our conference and go further into the playoffs.

What is the best part of being a student-athlete at Symmes Valley High School?

The best part of being a student athlete at Symmes Valley is the community. The community is so strong and welded together. I also think the teachers are the best around; they are the most caring, supportive, and loving people you’ll ever meet. 

Who is the best player you have ever faced in a game, along with the team he played on?

I think the best player I played against was Jordan Davis from Notre Dame. 

Symmes Valley finished 3-7 last year, including a four-game losing streak. How important is it to get a win in week one this season?

I think it will be very important and crucial for us to come out with a win in week one. It will build a ton of momentum for the games going forward, and hopefully we can just keep rolling through the teams. 

Do you feel that private schools have an advantage over public schools? Explain

I feel private schools have a slight advantage because they have more funding. At the end of the day, though, we are both schools with the same amount of opportunity. 

What is your favorite type of music?

My favorite type of music is old country. With artists like Hank Williams Jr.

Who are your role models?

My role models, I would say, are my dad and Tim Tebow. 

What is your favorite class or subject?

My favorite subject in school is science. I love studying the way the world is designed and how it functions.