QB Zach Calzada Trusted the Process, Now Back in the SEC

Quarterback Zach Calzada admits he learned self accountability after transferring to a lower level of college football and now feels ready to shine in the SEC. (Larry Vaught Photo)

Zach Calzada played in 15 games at Texas A&M from 2019-21 and made 10 starts, including one against Alabama where he led Texas A&M to a win.

He eventually transferred to Auburn after a coaching change for the 2022 season but did not play because of an injury before spending the last two years at Incarnate Word in San Antonio where he started 22 games.

The 6-4, 230-pound Calzada is now at Kentucky and ready for his first spring practice on coach Mark Stoops’ team. He has thrown for 8,707 yards and 73 touchdowns and rushed for 381 yards and 11 scores in his career — and is 23-9 as a starter.

After starting in the Southeastern Conference dropping to a lower level at Incarnate Word is not something every player can do. For Calzada, it was not a problem.

“It was difficult at first, but I feel like I just embraced it. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through this journey is self accountability and the good things that happen and the bad things that happen to me, I’m responsible for,” the veteran quarterback said. “I took ownership of that.

“It wasn’t the best feeling ever having to go down, but it was a blessing at the same time, and I embraced it. Those guys and those coaches there were amazing. And I’m  really grateful for that experience.”

He admits there are times he had some doubts about his future the last two years.

“I wondered if I was going to be able to play football at a really high level again? I just trusted the process,” he said. “Resiliency and perseverance is something that’s always been instilled in me, and I just tried to keep those values and continue to push forward.”

Calzada figures to compete with redshirt freshman quarterback Cutter Boley in spring practice that starts March 10. Stoops said he felt UK needed an experienced option at quarterback.

“A six-year guy, the guy has played a lot of football, competed in our league and did very well when he was in there,” Stoops said.  “I think to balance that with a guy like Cutter, who is very young. You have got Beau (Allen) back, which gives us some experience as well, so I feel good about that position. I think with Zach what I like is the fact that I can put on film and see a ton of reps.”

He also has true freshman quarterbacks Stone Saunders and Brennen Ward.

“I mean, look at them and what they did in high school. I feel very good about them. But you know and I know I am not going to put all of my eggs in an incoming freshman,” the Kentucky coach said.