NDSU

The incumbant at the left tackle spot and a strong candidate for postseason honors in 2004...He may be among the best tackles in the Great West Football Conference...Has great size and a good frame...Good blocker...Started as a tight end and moved to offensive tackle while putting on over 60 pounds in the process...2003 SEASON (JUNIOR): Played 10 games for the Bison, helping the offense gain 355 yards per game and score 30 per game...2002 SEASON (SOPHOMORE): Started all 10 games for the Bison, playing right tackle in the first two before moving to left tackle after the injury to All-American Chuck Klabo and playing there over the final eight games...Helped the Bison to average 338 yards and 20.3 points per game...2001 SEASON (FRESHMAN): Moved to offensive tackle for his freshman season and played in all 10 games, lettering as a backup for the Bison...Helped NDSU average 335 yards of total offense and 35 points per game...2000 SEASON (REDSHIRT): Sat out the season as a redshirt tight end in the Bison program...HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Bloomington Jefferson High School where he was first team all-conference, second team all-metro, and honorable mention all-state as a senior...Most Valuable Player and team captain as a senior...Scored six TDs as a senior...Played both tight end and defensive end...Also competed in basketball where he was first team all-conference and honorable mention All-State as a senior...Team MVP on the court...PERSONAL: Majoring in business administration...Enjoys playing basketball, playing cards and listening to music in his spare time...Family includes one older sister and one younger brother...Son of John and Cheryl Zilka of Bloomington...Father was an All-North Central Conference baseball pitcher for Minnesota State-Mankato in 1972, leading the league in wins and strikeouts.