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KATC’s Super 16 – Welsh Wide Receiver Da’Ren Zeno

Posted at 6:49 PM, Jul 16, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-30 17:30:32-04

WELSH (KATC) — Everything about Da’ren Zeno pops. His speed, hands, and statistics scream next level.

In 2017 he caught 94 passes for 1,447 yards and 19 touchdowns, helping lead Welsh to it’s first state football championship.

"You can teach the drills and timing, but he just has a knack to get his hands on the football and he has really powerful hands. If he gets his hands on the ball he’s going to make a catch," said head coach John Richardson. "As we got deeper in the playoffs we played some really athletic teams and they couldn’t cover him. To me, that showed what a talented receiver he is. It’s one thing to do it against average competition, but when you do it at that level, it proved to me he is that talented at receiver."

To no body’s surprise, the all-state receiver is being recruited. At 5-foot-11, 185 pounds Zeno’s size is right. He speed is right too. A board hanging in Welsh’s weight room says he runs a 4.4 40-yard-dash.  

Zeno’s first love wasn’t football, but when coaches start calling, it certainly has a way of changing one’s heart.

"Basketball was the first sport I really liked," he said. "Then when I came to high school I started playing and colleges started look and I thought, well I’m going to start playing football."