ESCANABA---He's gone from being a timid Little Leaguer who couldn't give a radio interview without laughing into the microphone into an offensive line force that has been recognized as one of the best high schoolers in all of Michigan. He's Escanaba Eskymo senior Zahn Anderson.
Anderson, a 6-foot-5, 250-pounder, was an Upper Peninsula Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association First Team selection as a junior in 2025, and he says he is ready to be even better in 2026.
“All summer, I've been working out, staying in shape, gaining weight, hit up a bunch of football camps over the summer,” Anderson said. “I've just stayed in the zone.”
Escanaba Head Coach Bailey Lamb says that Anderson is the backbone of his team.
“He's incredible,” Lamb said. “An incredible leader. He sets the example every day. It it's at a workout, whatever it is, he carries himself with the right kind of energy. He represents being an Eskymo the right way, and the kids feed off that. He leads all of our lineman pre-practice drills. He gets guys going when they might need a little bit of motivation. He keeps guys on the right track who might need a little guidance. Just an anchor to this team. He's part of the reason why I think this year is going to be a lot of fun.”
Anderson will be playing at Michigan Tech University in 2027, and he says he is already getting ready. What do they want him to do before he heads to Houghton in a year?
“Just keep bigger,” Anderson said. “Stay in the weight room. Stay moving on your feet.”
The Eskymos will open their season on August 27th with a game in Kingsford.
