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Ronald Zamort enters 2015 as the centerpiece of a WMU secondary that, according analysis by Bill Connelly, ranked second nationally in havoc rate - pushing the defense overall to 42nd in the country. A huge part of the success? Zamorts 21 total passes defended, including four interceptions, which tied for the MAC and national lead with now former teammate Donald Celiscar. WMU's drastic defensive improvement from 2013 to 2014 hinged on the tenacity of this secondary, which accounted for 13 interceptions and 83 passes defended last season. If WMU is to live up to the hype surrounding its 2015 campaign, it will need Zamort to breakup passes at the same rate he has the previous two seasons.
This year's number 43 MAC football player and Phil Steele preseason, second team All-MAC selection, is old reliable for WMU on the back end when it comes to stifling opposing aerial attacks. For the Broncos, this is no accident. WMU's defense loves to get pressure on the quarterback, meaning a steady diet of blitz packages. Sending men after the opposing quarterback frequently places corners in one-on-one situations; situations where Zamort has thrived the previous two seasons. While "Zamort Island" (I prefer "Sector Z") to my knowledge hasn't made its way onto any posters yet, the senior corner will have ample opportunity in 2015 to earn himself a nickname, or more realistically his way onto the first team All-MAC list. The Broncos, in their first four weeks of the season, face Big Ten heavyweights Michigan State and Ohio State, at home and on the road, respectively, meaning Zamort will have his shot against some of the best talent in the Midwest. Whether or not Zamort is up to the challenge goes a long way towards a historic season not only for himself, but for the Broncos as a whole.
Zamort has a chance to make a big impact for the Broncos in 2015. Look for his name to be called quite a bit while taking in the MACtion, whether it be midweek or weekend. Zamort may be picked on a little less with the departure of Celiscar to the NFL, but don't expect his numbers to suffer as a result.
My not-so-bold prediction for Zamort in 2015: at least one interception for a touchdown
Pick sixes are not featured on the veteran's resume, though he was close vs Virgina Tech last season. Look for that to change in 2015 for Zamort, who's ability to generate takeaways could be key to a historic season in Kalamazoo.