SAN ANTONIO -- Zach Banner (Lakewood, Wash./Lakes) is a walking tower at 6-foot-9 and 310 pounds. He is the bookend that will protect the blind side of his quarterbacks at Saturday's U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

As physically imposing as Banner is, he has made a case in San Antonio as being the most intellectually imposing player, too. Banner's articulation and vocal eloquence is as impressive as his pancake blocks.

Ask the uncommitted offensive lineman about his college choices, and he'll give you much more than his schools of interest. Banner has the Sooners, USC and Washington on his short list, with Michigan and Notre Dame on the outside looking in, and while he's looking for a quality football program, he's also focused on studying at a place considered a quality academic institution.

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Damon Sayles

Reporter, RecruitingNation

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• Covers recruiting in the Midlands
• Joined ESPN in 2011