Hrbacek Offers Insights on Team Growth, Transition to FBS, and the Upcoming Season.
HUNTSVILLE, TX – As the crunch of shoulder pads resonated from the practice field, the Sam Houston Bearkats concluded their first scrimmage of the fall camp on Saturday, August 12, 2023. The transition to the FBS and Conference USA has been nothing short of a whirlwind for the team, but amidst the hustle, redshirt sophomore runningback Zach Hrbacek took a moment to share his insights with Rob Hipp.
Two weeks into fall camp, Hrbacek, referred to as “the pride of Troy Texas” by Hipp, expressed enthusiasm about the team’s progression. “It’s been a great journey, and we’re really getting to know each other. With a lot of new guys and transfers, we’re growing, building team chemistry, and there’s great camaraderie every day,” said Hrbacek.
The Bearkats have undergone significant changes in recent years, moving from the FCS to the FBS. For Hrbacek, this transition has meant adapting to a faster pace in both practice and scrimmage. Yet, he remains optimistic, crediting the coaching staff for “simplifying stuff for us to just play fast.”
The team’s roster has seen a remarkable influx of talent, adding 48 new players. From the FCS National Championship roster, 25 still remain. Many of these were true freshmen in the spring of 2021 who were assigned redshirt status, and thus, did not suit up for games. Despite the turnover, Hrbacek singled out some rising stars, particularly John Gentry, a redshirt sophomore runningback transfer from Utah State, and quarterback Grant Gunnell, a graduate transfer from UNT. He also expressed excitement about the potential of newcomers Landan “CoCo” Brown, a freshman running back from Denton High School, and DJ McKinney, another freshman running back from Union High School (Tulsa, Oklahoma), as well as Jordan Yates, a redshirt junior, who transitioned from quarterback to running back.
But Hrbacek’s journey, from a 3A high school player in Troy, Texas, to the FBS limelight, stands out as a testament to perseverance. “Someone will always find you, no matter where you are,” Hrbacek advised young hopefuls, urging them to continue working hard and making a name for themselves.
As the Bearkats push through fall camp, Hrbacek acknowledged the need for consistent energy, even on tough days. Reflecting on his role, he sees himself as both a playmaker and a source of encouragement, whether he’s on the field or not.
Discussing team culture, Hrbacek felt that the current Bearkats roster might be one of the closest teams he’s been part of, emphasizing the excellent energy and camaraderie among the players, especially the bond between the running backs and the offensive line.
Looking ahead, Hrbacek hinted at a possible surprise for the season. “We aim to be the number one running backs in Conference USA and shock the world in our first game,” he said confidently.
With the countdown to kickoff at BYU approaching, all eyes will be on the Bearkats and their emerging star, Zach Hrbacek.
Watch the full interview with Zach Hrbacek and Rob Hipp below.
Reporting by Rob Hipp for Behind the Bearkats and SHN Sports.
