Port Washington's Zach Hauser an NFL Draft Hopeful

PORT WASHINGTON — Former Port Washington High School standout football player Zach Hauser is going to be a busy man this weekend.

Although the Macalaster College senior football defensive lineman will be keeping an eye on the 2016 NFL Draft, he's also going to be doing the following things:

• Throwing discus in a men's track meet
• Helping the field crew during a women's track meet
• Participating in an athletic banquet
• Finishing his senior capstone project
• Studying
• And even more studying!

Hauser's name pops up on many NFL defensive line prospects, and there's a chance he's drafted by a team this weekend. There's also a chance he's signed as a free agent immediately afterward.

"I'll have the draft up on my phone or one my computer, wherever I can find it," he said.

Hauser was a menace for opposing collegiate offensive lineman, who led the Macalaster Scots with 66 tackles, including 39 solo tackles and nine tackles for loss.

His performance earned him a spot on the 2015 USA College Football Division III All-American first team. He also registered 3.0 sacks to tie for the team lead, and knocked down five passes, blocked two kicks and had three quarterback hurries.

Hauser was listed at 6-3 and 305 pounds when he worked out in front of NFL scouts at the University of Minnesota held its Pro Day Monday in early March.

In addition to working out at the University of Minnesota, Hauser also participated in a pro combine at the Minnesota Vikings facility on Saturday, Feb. 27.

He was featured in the Minor League Sports Report in 2015, earning high praise:

"An outstanding athlete; a bright young man doing well academically; humble and kind to others; the kind of person who reaches out to others and sets a great example for others."

Where will Hauser be in the coming months? It's a question that has the Port Washington native going with the flow.

He could work a seasonal job in town this summer and prepare for his graduate school entrance exams and applying for a master's program at Temple University.

He could also be slugging it out on the practice field for one of 32 NFL teams, vying for a coveted roster or practice squad spot.

An admitted Vikings fan, Hauser would LOVE to play in the NFL central division, battling it out in the wind and snow.

But for now, no matter what happens, Hauser stands to have a great weekend.

Image courtesy Tania Lynn

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