Gridiron: Zane Coon anchors young offensive line

Getting to the next level of their career is something every athlete strives for.

Jackson offensive lineman Zane Coon achieved that goal before the start of the 2023 season.

Coon committed to the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks, joining an already impressive team that won a share of the Ohio Valley Conference championship and appeared in the FCS Playoffs. His father, Ricky Coon, is the defensive coordinator at SEMO.

“Coach (Matukewicz) has been a great guy to me ever since I was a kid looking up to him,” Coon said. “He’s always been a positive role model to his players and kids like me.”

This season is Coon’s second with the Indians and it will be his senior season.

With Coon’s father being a college coach, he has moved around a lot and with the Indians hiring Ryan Nesbitt, Coon is on his fourth coach in as many years.

“It’s kind of difficult,” Coon said. “But, it is what it is. His system as far as running the ball has been different. It’s been a good transition so far.

We’re still learning but I think we’re going to get there. Our offensive line is young. Besides me, nobody else has played varsity.”

Despite the youth on the line, Coon is confident in his bunch.

“We’re still going through some growing pains,” Coon said. “But, I feel like we’ll get to where we need to be for the first game.”

After a six-win season in 2022, Coon feels like the vibes around the team are different.

“We’re a lot more energetic team this year,” Coon said. “It feels like we’re going out there to have fun rather than it being a job. I think having that along with the leaders we have in our room, we’re a confident group.”

That belief the offense has is one that is felt by all members of the Indians.

“We think we can win any game,” Coon said. “It doesn’t matter who it is. Our ceiling is wherever we take it.”

Coon said he has enjoyed getting to know him during the summer practice grind.

“We have a great relationship,” Coon said. “From day one, he’s gone around and got to know everyone on a personal level. He lets us know that he loves us.”