2026 Getting to know Rocco Esmailzadeh from Upper Arlington

 


Name: Rocco Esmailzadeh

School/town: Upper Arlington HS, Ohio

Positions played: Running Back

Class: 2029

Height and Weight: 5’10”170 pounds

Jersey Number: 1

Awards won or earned:

HUDL LINK: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19515828/Rocco-Esmailzadeh

Other sports played: N/A

Twitter Handle: @RoccoZadeh7


Please post a small recap of last season with something like a big game you had, something about a certain game, something from a bus ride to or from the game, or something that sticks out from a practice.

N/A


What makes you a good teammate?

What makes me a good teammate is the way I can bring my teammates up when they are down, or if they make a bad play I’m always the guy to talk to them and get their head moved onto the next play.

What is the toughest part of being a running back?

The toughest part about being a running back to me is the amount of hits we take as running backs, but a big thing that I think all running backs learn over time is the ability to not take every hit head on and learn how to roll off of defenders.

Is there a pro or college player that you pattern your game after, if so please let the readers know who that is?

I would say that the pro that I try to pattern my game after is Le’Veon Bell, and I really focus on the patience that he had and try to replicate it in my own way.

What have you been able to do during the off-season to aid you in becoming a better player?

This offseason I really committed a lot of my time to the gym, trying to get bigger and stronger while also maintaining my speed. This offseason I’ve also been going to college camps to get in front of coaches and get positive feedback from people at the highest level.
Upper Arlington has one of the best coaches in the state in my opinion.

What is something unique about him that most fans won't know?

At UA we are extremely lucky to have Coach Buttermore. He is the best coach in the state in my opinion, and one thing that most people wouldn’t know is the details of football and the attention to detail that he teaches us, whether it’s on the field, in the gym, or in the classroom.
 

What team goals will you set this season?

Team goals that we’ve set for this season are to win our division and practice on Thanksgiving, which basically means to make a deep playoff run this year and hopefully compete for a state title.
 

Which road stadium is the best to play in, along with the thing that makes it so good?

The best stadium that I played in last year was Grove City. I really liked running on the turf they had, and the entrance to the stadium was pretty cool.
 

If the Browns get their dome should the state finals be moved there?

I think that if the Browns rebuilt their stadium, it would definitely be a really cool place to play the state championship game, and it would be the best option if it’s bad weather.
 

Do you have any game-day superstitions?

I don’t have a lot of game day superstitions, but the night before I like to eat a big meal, and the day of the game, whatever our arrival time is at the stadium, I try to get there at least 20 to 30 minutes early and be one of the first people.
 

How do you get over a bad game?

The best way that I found to get over a bad game is using the emotions from that game and carrying them over to the next week in practice, making sure that I go even harder and really use it as a chip on my shoulder going into the next week.
 

What's been your biggest moment as an athlete?

My biggest moment as an athlete would be helping my team last year to finish with a 9-1 record.
 

Can the fans, band, and cheerleaders get you fired up before and/or during the game?

Most of the time before the game, I try to stay pretty locked in, listening to music and visualizing what I’m gonna do. Hearing the band throughout the game can definitely give me a boost of energy, but during the game I don’t really pay attention to the outside noise.
 

Where is the best local spot to grab a meal?

The place that I go the most is Chipotle, but I would say the best local spot is this place called Carsonie’s, some of the best Italian food.

Did you watch any of the UFL games?

I have not yet watched any UFL games, but I probably will sometime soon.
 

What was the last book that you read, along with the author?

 The last book that I read was a book called Ahsoka. It is a Star Wars book written by E.K. Johnston. I’m currently reading a book called Night by Elie Wiesel.

 Highlights:  https://x.com/RoccoZadeh7/status/1976675837387624554/video/1


 

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