High school football: Q&A with Cary-Grove's Zack Underwood, player of the week

Zack Underwood

Height: 5-foot-10

Weight: 170 pounds

The senior safety snagged three interceptions in Cary-Grove's 42-0 victory over Crystal Lake Central last week. He ran one of them back for a touchdown. Readers of the Northwest Herald voted Underwood the high school football player of the week.

Had you ever scored a touchdown in a varsity game? No. I had a pick-six freshman year, and I was trying to get one last year and it never happened. When I got that first one, it took a few minutes to set in.

What did you eat before the game? We didn't have school that day, so me and some of my buddies went to Potbelly and got lunch. I had a grilled chicken and cheddar with lettuce and mayonnaise.

Do you have a pregame ritual? Before the game, when I'm changing my knee pads and belt out of my practice pants and into my game pants, I listen to the same song called "Devastated" (by Joey Bada$$). Also, I tape my own wrists before each game.

Is there anybody you style your game after? (Former Redskins safety) Sean Taylor. He also played safety and he played so well. Unfortunately, his life was taken away at such a young age.

What's your proudest sports moment? Making it to the semifinals last year when at the beginning of the season our team was doubted by many people to make a playoff run.

Who's your biggest hero? My three older brothers, Jake (25), Nick (24) and Mike (21). As a kid, I always tried to model myself after them and all of them played college sports. I'm trying to follow their footsteps.

Do you have any hobbies outside of sports? No, football takes up so much time. I'll do everything I can to get better. And baseball when it's baseball season.

Do you have any hidden talents? I'm a great swimmer. My mom, when I was young, signed me up for swimming lessons. I did it for at least five years.

Who is your funniest teammate? This is easy, definitely Collin Walsh. That kid can make anyone laugh easily. You can walk into practice and he'll be smiling for no reason.

Do you have a favorite movie? Yes, "Lone Survivor." I love Mark Wahlberg and the character he plays in that movie, and the storyline behind that, it's a true story.

What's the coolest place you've ever been to? Disney World, Florida

Favorite superhero? Superman, he's the all-time superhero.

Dogs or cats? Definitely dogs

Cake or ice cream? Ice cream

If you could invite any three people to dinner, who would it be? I'm watching the Cubs right now, so definitely Javy Baez, he's so fun to watch. He makes insane plays. (Seahawks safety) Kam Chancellor, he's my favorite football player, he's a safety. I could ask him some tips. And Mark Wahlberg, he's one of my favorite actors.