Soul defensive tackle Zach Zidian is enjoying his opportunity in Philadelphia. Photo by Al Thompson

Zach Zidian, the 6-foot-1, 310-pound rookie defensive lineman for the Soul, made the team then promptly got hurt and had to miss most of the first half of the season.

Since he finally got into the rotation he can be seen causing much havoc, helping the Soul win several close games and remain undefeated.

“This is a great opportunity,” Zidian said recently at the Soul’s practice facility, Total Turf, Pitman NJ. “I’m really happy to be part of this organization. It’s the best organization in this league.

Getting this opportunity is a great chance for and I want to do every thing I can to help this team out and work towards another championship.”

Zidian Played for the Duquesne Dukes and started in every game after the first game of his freshman year. In 2013 he was named Second Team All-NEC. In 2014 he was named Preseason All-NEC and NEC First Team All Conference. In 2015 Zidian was named Preseason All-NEC again, along with First Team All-NEC.

Zidian says he knows he is a rookie and understands his role.

“I’m out there playing nose tackle and some end as well,” Zidian said. “I fill in for these guys whenever they need a break. When I’m on the field I want to create a big spark for our team and make plays when I can but always consistently doing me job.”

While his his role is to support, like every player in the AFL, he has a vision for bigger things and there is nothing wrong with that.

“Definitely,” Zidian said. “That’s (NFL) always been my vision growing up and playing college football. It the only vision I’ve had and I want to work towards the top professional football league you can be in.”

Duquesne plays in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Outside of ESPN3, the Dukes are not on TV. New he is on the CBS Network every week. His friends and family can now see him play.

“It’s really and awesome thing,” Zidian said. “I’m playing professional football. There’s not much more you can ask for and I’m happy about it.”