• Tight End
• Robinson High School, Fairfax, VA (Head Coach Mark Bendorf)
• 6-5, 255 pounds
• Runs a 4.8 in the forty
• Rankings: Rivals #23 (3 stars), Insiders #29 (3 stars)
• Senior Stats: 21 catches, 340 yards, four touchdowns
• Recruiting coach: Bud Foster
• Hobbies: Hunting, Fishing, Flying in Airplanes

The game was over, and Robinson was celebrating its second Virginia AAA, Division 6 state championship in five years. The Rams had just crushed the Thomas Dale Knights 40-7, in a game featuring then seniors and current Virginia Tech Hokies Cary Wade and Mike Imoh. Also on display were several of Robinson�s outstanding junior prospects, who would no doubt be heavily recruited as seniors.

One of those juniors was tight end John Kinzer who, before the title game, had not given much thought to the prospect of earning a Division I scholarship. He would soon find out that not only would he be one of the hottest tight end prospects in the state of Virginia, but one of the top prospects on the East Coast.

"Winning the state title really opened my eyes," said Kinzer, who would receive heavy interest from Big Ten powers Ohio State and Penn State along with most of the Big East and ACC schools. "Before then, it didn�t really cross my mind. But after the title game was over, Coach Bendorf said I would be able to earn a scholarship from a Division I school."

Kinzer is a top prospect for good reason. Once you watch film of him, one thing immediately jumps out � he is a crushing and skilled blocker. It was something Kinzer learned his freshman season, and has since honed and developed this knowledge into something college coaches covet in their tight end prospects.

The foundation for Kinzer to become the dominant player he was today began early in his Robinson career. As a freshman, Kinzer played offensive tackle. It was at this position where he learned the fundamentals of blocking. As a sophomore, he switched to the tight end position, but continued to sharpen his blocking ability.

"John is a devastating blocker," said head coach Mark Bendorf. "He is a very strong player and physical blocker. As a senior, he became more of a dual threat. He was our best receiver. He caught 21 passes for 340 yards and four touchdowns last season. Over the past three years, he has constantly improved his receiving skills. He has always had great hands and surprising speed."

Though he believes blocking is his strongest asset, Kinzer does enjoy catching the football. Mainly, he likes putting fear into the hearts of opposing defensive backs, a la former Miami Hurricane and current New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey. His quickness, which has been improved by playing on the Robinson lacrosse team, good speed, and great hands provide him with the necessary tools to be a very effective receiver.

"At Robinson, we ran the ball probably 80 percent of the time my junior year," said Kinzer. "My senior year, Andy Hartigan transferred in and played quarterback, and I worked with him and on my hands. I like catching passes and running over defensive backs. I can remember one play, where I jumped over one tackler, which left just me and one small defensive back there to stop me. I�ve never seen anyone�s eyes get so big. I hit him full on, and that was fun."

Even with Robinson�s propensity to run the football his junior season, one opposing coach was able to take note of Kinzer�s receiving ability. Centreville coach Mike Skinner, whose team lost to Robinson in the regional finals in 2001 and in the first round of the playoffs in 2002, praises Kinzer�s all-around talent as a blocker and, as he recalls, as a great receiver.

"He�s the reason they beat us in the regional finals in 2001," said Skinner. "I think there were three times when it was third and seven and we had him double covered and he caught the ball. He�s the best tight end I�ve ever seen. He�s a great blocker and has good hands. When we played them this year [2002], I had to take my out my starting defensive end, who goes about 195 or 200 pounds, and put in a 260 pound guy, just because I was afraid he [Kinzer] was going to crush him."

What was known by local high school coaches was also well known by college recruiters, and Kinzer received many early scholarship offers. The first official scholarship offer would come from the Virginia Tech Hokies. While it was flattering to receive interest from the Ohio States and the Penn States, the mammoth tight end prospect knew where he wanted to go � in the state of Virginia. He just did not know which in-state school to choose.

It would take a summer of unofficial visits to help Kinzer make his decision.

"Actually, in the beginning before I really knew much about either school, I liked UVa a little more," said Kinzer. "After I visited both schools, Virginia Tech was the place I knew I wanted to go. The people, the players, and the facilities are all great. What I liked most about Virginia Tech, though, were the coaches. Coach Foster is a fantastic guy. I feel like I knew the coaches at Virginia Tech better, on a more personal level."

Knowing where he wanted to go, Kinzer did not hesitate to announce for Virginia Tech in September of 2002, just as his senior season was beginning. Typically, coach Bendorf encourages his players to wait until after the football season is over to worry about recruiting, however Kinzer felt the time was right for his decision.

"I was happy to get it out of the way," said Kinzer. "I knew where I wanted to go, and that wouldn�t change no matter where I visited. Plus, I was happy not to deal with all of the phone calls that come with recruiting."

Bendorf agreed it was best for his star tight end to make an early decision, especially so the pressure of recruiting would not become a distraction.

"I think he was glad it was over," said Bendorf. "May was a little hectic for him � he got a taste of what recruiting would be like. Once he got it out of the way, it wasn�t a distraction and I think it helped him have a better senior year."

Kinzer was happy to have found the school of his choice, and Virginia Tech was happy to have earned a commitment from one of its top tight end targets.

While it is unknown whether or not he will redshirt, the transition from high school to Virginia Tech promises to be a little smoother for Kinzer than most other prospects. Playing for Robinson, Kinzer went through a college-style weight training program, where he lifted and conditioned himself year-round for the past three years.

His high school experience gives him the confidence to transition successfully to the next level.

"Playing at Robinson definitely will help a lot," said Kinzer. "The biggest thing at Robinson is the weight training and conditioning. I firmly believe that is why we have such a strong football program. Coach Bendorf has done a great job emphasizing weight training to us throughout my career."

According to Bendorf, Kinzer has really developed in the weight program not just physically, but mentally.

"He has really matured," said Bendorf. "As a sophomore, he was 6-2, 225. He grew and is up to 255 pounds right now. At Virginia Tech, he knows what he has to do on and off the field. Our weight program helps to make the transition."

At the very least, Hokie fans can know that Kinzer will be one of the hardest working players on the team � a good example for the rest of the players. His father, who is a naval pilot, has taught him a saying that he will always use both in football and in the rest of his life.

"My dad always told me that there is not a job worth doing that is not worth doing right," said Kinzer. "I use that everywhere I go, and give 100%. Both my father and coach Bendorf, who is a father-like figure to me, have told me to be persistent in everything I do, and that�s what I try to do."

Heading into Virginia Tech, Kinzer is focused on helping the Hokies capture a national championship. An accomplished kicker in high school, he would even be willing to be the nation�s toughest kicker, if that is what Coach Beamer needed from him.

"I can kick," laughed Kinzer. "If that�s what they want, then I�ll do it. I just want to help the team win the national championship."

Raleigh Hokie - Can you elaborate on what the VT coaches told you about how you would be used in their offense? How did that differ from how other schools said they would use you? Finally, was there anything specific about how you would be used that tilted your decision in favor of VT?

JK � They haven�t gone into too much depth with me yet, but I think one thing they will do with me is use me on double tight end sets, looking at the blocking end of things. They want me to get that outside edge sealed for the running backs.

I didn�t really have time to hear how other schools would use me. Again, though, the big thing people liked about me was my blocking.

Stech - Have the coaches talked about throwing to the TE more often in the future? If so, what did they say? If not, what are your thoughts on the topic?

JK � The coaches have said they plan to open things up a bit more and throw more to the tight end, especially once Marcus Vick becomes quarterback. It gets me excited, because I love to catch the ball.

Ox VT - What college or pro TE do you most try to emulate?

JK � I guess Jeremy Shockey would be one, although he is more of a receiver. I like the way he tries to punish defensive backs. I think that�s awesome.

VT FB Junky � Which area of your game do you feel you can most improve? Which area of your game at TE do you feel the most comfortable about? How do you feel you can personally contribute to the success of the VT football program?

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