North Schuylkill OL Aiden Zilker commits to Temple

ASHLAND North Schuylkills star offensive lineman Aiden Zilker will stay in state to play college football.Zilker announced Monday via social media that he will take his talents to Temple with a post that simply said: Blessed for this opportunity, cant wait to get to work.The 6-foot-5, 300-pound Zilker received the the offer from Temple last week.It was a really good feeling getting the offer, Zilker said.

For a while they were contacting me.

I knew they were going to offer me.

They just had to check all the boxes.North Schuylkill's Aiden Zilker (55) protects as quarterback Trevor Minalda drops back to pass against Palmerton in this October 2023 file photo.

Zilker and Spartan teammates Gavin Mentzer and Luke Miller made the 2024 Pennsylvania Football Writers' Class 3A All-State Team.

(FILE)Zilker said he was tempted to commit as soon as he got the offer, but he took time to talk with family and North Schuylkill coach Wally Hall to make sure it was the right decision.Zilker chose the Owls over Stonehill, Sacred Heart, New Hampshire and Long Island University.Them being in the FBS, that was a really big thing for me, Zilker said.

One of my main goals was to play at the highest level for football.Temple is led by first-year head coach K.C.

Keeler.

Who served as Sam Houston States head coach for the last 10 years.

The Owls compete in the American Athletic Conference.Coach Keeler brought in a whole new staff and I really think these guys will put Temple back on the map, Zilker said.

I really think the whole staff can change the culture there.Zilker visited Temple unofficially this past spring.

He will look to take his official visit and spend a weekend on campus in October when the Owls host Navy.Zilker plans to enroll at Temple early in January.

He will either study Education or Exercise Science, and is looking to get to work as soon as he touches campus.I want to work as hard as possible, he said.

I want to get up there and get developed.

I want to try to get on the field as early as possible.With his college decision made, Zilker will focus on his senior year with the Spartans.

North Schuylkill will kick off the season off against Mount Carmel on Aug.

22.I can take it all in and be with the team a lot, Zilker said.

Before making my decision, I would have had some visits coming up.

But now that I made my decision, I can be able to be there everyday with the team.

In an interview last month, Hall praised Zilker and let it be known what Temple is getting.As an individual they are getting someone that is a great teammate and great locker room person, Hall said.

[Hes] someone who works incredibly hard, and when its time to play football, he is tough and physical..

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