Purdue Running Backs Coach Chris Barclay Isn't Surprised by Zander Horvath's Early NFL Success
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — After the first two weeks of the 2022 NFL season, there aren't many who would have believed that Zander Horvath — a rookie fullback drafted in the seventh round — would be leading the Los Angeles Chargers in touchdown receptions.
After winning the starting job, Horvath has reached the end zone on short-yardage passes twice so far this season. He became the first rookie running back or fullback with a touchdown catch in each of his first two NFL games since 1942.
While his early success maybe wasn't entirely expected, there are some who aren't surprised that he's already making a name for himself at the next level.
"I'm not shocked. I know you all are because you never believe me, but I saw it early. He's different," Purdue running backs coach Chris Barclay said. "And I don't want to speak too soon, there's a lot of time, he's got a lot of season. He's got to stay healthy, and he's got to keep busting his tail on special teams — doing all the little things."
Horvath scored the first touchdown of the season for the Chargers in a 24-19 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1. He found the end zone a second time during a 27-24 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs the following week.
"The way he came in these doors prepared him for what he's experiencing right now," Barclay said. "And I say that because when he came in these doors, I said look man — fullback. Special teams. And the role can grow from there, maybe, depending on how we deal with that."
The former Purdue walk-on is accustomed to a small role, which can oftentimes come with a limited payoff. After joining the Boilermakers in 2017, he grew as a college athlete by taking the field as a fullback and contributing on special teams.
Horvath found more opportunities as his college career progressed, and he eventually appeared in 30 games at Purdue while rushing for 1,181 yards and eight touchdowns.
"Now he's in the same scenario in the league," Barclay said. "He's been prepared for this for years now, and I'm just so proud of him. I just ordered my jersey the other day."
Barclay will be able to sport his new apparel when the Chargers face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. The game will be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.
Related Stories
- Zander Horvath Scores Touchdown in Second Straight Game: Zander Horvath, a seventh-round draft pick out of Purdue, became the first running back or fullback since 1942 to record touchdown catches in each of his first two NFL Games. CLICK HERE
- Zander Horvath Scores First NFL Touchdown With Los Angeles Chargers: Former Purdue running back Zander Horvath got into the end zone in his first NFL regular season game for the Chargers. He caught a one-yard score in the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders. CLICK HERE
D.J. Fezler is a staff writer for BoilermakersCountry.com. Hailing from The Region, he is from Cedar Lake in Northwest Indiana and has spent the last two years covering Purdue football and basketball.