Elkhorn South senior Isaac Zatechka, one of the top in-state offensive lineman has made a decision. Zatechka, a 6-foot-4, 280-pound senior, will start his college career as a preferred walk-on at Missouri.

“I feel like I have the best relationship with them. It felt like I had the best opportunity there and where I could succeed on and off the field,” he said. “Really, it was a gut feeling and it’s the place that felt the most like home.”

Zatechka chose Missouri over the two other finalists and preferred walk-on options at Nebraska and Kansas State.

“Missouri was the first to offer,” he said. “They have been recruiting me the longest.”

It will be a family affair in Columbia. His sister Estella, a junior at Elkhorn South, is committed to play volleyball for the Tigers. 

“Obviously it is a huge plus for me and my family that she will be there,” Zatechka said. “I tried to keep that out of my decision making process.”

FCS Montana State offered Zatechka last year as did Ivy League schools Dartmouth and Cornell. Division II power Northwest Missouri State extended an offer in late September. Division II Northern State, University of Mary and Minnesota State were others that had offered as well. 

Most schools recruited him as an interior offensive lineman or long snapper.

“I think they (Missouri) wants me to play center,” he said. “I will play guard if they want me to but center is where they recruited me at.”