Zimmerman leading way as blocker for PU

New fullback prepared for Tiger home opener

By Bob Nuse, Sports Editor
   It took a little bit of an adjustment, but Matt Zimmerman realizes that a move to fullback got him on the field a lot quicker for the Princeton University football team.
   ”I was more of a tailback type in high school,” said Zimmerman, who caught four passes including a touchdown reception for the Tigers in last week’s season-opening loss at The Citadel. “But now I have assumed a role of more of a blocking back and they throw me out in the flat some and give me a chance to catch balls. It’s a fun position that I have really bought into. Jordan (Culbreath) is a great kid who gives 110 percent all the time and he’s a fun guy to block for.
   ”Last year was an adjustment for me. I had to refine the techniques of blocking. But I think this year that learning period from last year is paying off and I feel much more comfortable in the offense.”
   Like most high school tailbacks, Zimmerman came to Princeton hoping to play the same high profile position in college. But with Culbreath set at the tailback spot, Zimmerman quickly warmed to the move to fullback.
   He’ll be playing that position Saturday when the Tigers host Lehigh in their home opener at 6 p.m. at Princeton Stadium.
   ”It’s very exciting,” Zimmerman said in anticipation of his first start at home. “It’s something I worked hard for all off-season and it is finally here. I feel like with our level of preparation on offense, whatever they throw at us our coaching staff has done a great job of preparing us for. I can’t wait to take the field Saturday night under the lights.
   ”I played wide receiver some in high school in addition to running back. So I feel like this position is a real good fit for me. I just had trust in the coaching staff that this was the right spot for me. I saw last year as it was going that it was the perfect move and I really bought into it.”
   Zimmerman carried the ball once for five yards against The Citadel. But he caught four passes for 24 yards, making him a weapon out of the backfield.
   ”I take pride in my blocking and that is what I look forward to doing on Saturday,” Zimmerman said. “I looked up to Rob (Toresco) last year and learned how he played the game. He caught a lot of passes in his career, so they look to get my position involved in the passing game. So I get my opportunities to make plays.”
   He’ll get some opportunities again on Saturday against Lehigh, a team that is 1-1 and coming off a bye week. Princeton is hoping to build off a strong effort in its loss last week.
   ”I think our players are excited to get the opportunity to get back on the field,” Princeton coach Roger Hughes said. “It felt like we really let one get away from us on the road. Everything was great except for an eight-minute span in the third quarter. While I think we played well enough at times to win on both sides of the ball, we had some breakdowns at key points in the game.
   ”After the game the seniors and the captains called the team together and basically said some things that were very appropriate and gave me great confidence in the leadership of this team. Clearly losing the first game is never good. But by the same standpoint, there were enough positive things that happened that our seniors and our team feel if we can clean those things up we can play with anyone on our schedule.”
   The Tigers will begin to find that out on Saturday against Lehigh, which lost its last game to Villanova, 33-14.
   On the Lehigh roster as a backup offensive tackle is Princeton High graduate Frank Giacalone, who is now 6-foot-4, 270 pounds as a college junior.
   ”Frank has started some games for us and right now he’s a backup at left tackle,” Lehigh offensive coordinator Trey Brown said. “He’s a guy I know will be excited to come back to Princeton and play. He’s a physical player who plays large.”