Catching up with Zevi Eckhaus following his commitment to Washington State

Posted By on January 9, 2024

Image courtesy of Bryant Athletics

Former Bryant quarterback Zevi Eckhaus announced on Saturday night that he has committed to Washington State University. After three seasons on Smithfield, he heads west with the hopes of getting the opportunity to start at a Power 5 school.

Eckhaus completed 238 of 379 passes (62.8%) for 2,907 yards, 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions, He leaves Smithfield as arguably the school’s most prolific passer. He is the school record holder for career touchdown passes, total offense and completions. He spent three years with the Bulldogs, from 2021 to 2023, starting all three seasons.

Eckhaus originally signed with Jacksonville State out of the transfer portal but later backed out. Transfer portal players can do that because they don’t enter binding agreements until they enroll at their new school.

The 6-1 205 pound Eckhaus was a finalist for the 2023 Walter Payton Award. He finishes his career at Bryant completing 724 of 1,166 passes for 8,527 yards and 75 touchdown passes.

We caught up with Eckhaus to get his thoughts on why he ultimately chose Washington State.

NEFJ: Why did you chose Washington State? What appealed to you about the program?

ZE: “Washington state is a great program that has a reputation of putting players in the league and it is very close to home, it seemed like a perfect fit for me.”

NEFJ: Will you have an opportunity to compete for the job next season and do you WSU can prepare you to play at the next level? 

ZE: “Going there will give me the highest chances to make it to the NFL, which is why I started playing this game in the first place. I’ll be achieving my childhood dreams of playing Power 5 football and giving myself the best opportunity to play at the next level.”

NEFJ: Was finding a school closer to home important for you?

ZE “Being able to play close to home, where my family can come and see me play, It just seemed like the best fit for me.”

NEFJ: What will you remember about your time at Bryant?

ZE: “The relationships, the people I have met. My teammates, the coaching staff. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Being a kid from California, to come out here and fit right in. It was truly a great experience.”