One of the better narratives coming out of the NDSU FBS Prospect Camp, as well as the state of Minnesota and its 2028 class, was Burnsville standout Lincoln Zilka Lincoln Zilka 6'6" | 270 lbs | OL/DL Burnsville | 2028 State MN playing OT. A highly-regarded DE coming out of the rising juniors in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Zilka has only recently made the transition to OT, and despite the newness to the position, rawness in his movements, and unfamiliarity with the technique, Zilka has a super ceiling at the position and looked pretty dang competitive while fighting through the aforementioned greenness with the OT position. With a frame and the measureables that screams D1 OT, Zilka showed off a clean pass set and a kick step that is able to gain ground to cut off and handle even the fastest speed rushers in attendance. You can tell he’s still getting used to the position and technique, but he’s super toolsy and looks great at the OT spot. and Zilka did a great job of consistently getting to the right spot to cut off and meet DL effectively, as well as flash flash a strong, effective punch. The Burnsville product’s ability to stay engaged post-contact while keeping those hands active and his body in a good position, not to mention his balance, will be the next evolution and required step in his development as an offensive tackle. However, Zilka was coachable, competitive, and has the right mindset and mentality to improve, not to mention the athleticism and tools to potentially dominate the MN 5A ranks with the Blaze.

Sticking to the Burnsville Blaze program and their WL to Ranking’s risers! 2028 Lincoln Zilka Lincoln Zilka 6'6" | 270 lbs | OL/DL Burnsville | 2028 State MN is one of the largest and best-framed sophomores in Minnesota, and that size is verified, as Zilka was an eye-catching performer at this past spring’s PRZMN Spring Showcase. The sophomore varsity starter measured in at a towering 6’5.5″, 244 lbs., with an 80″ wing and 10.5″ hands. Wowza! Plus, Zilka popped off a 7’6 broad and is a multi-sport athlete excelling in basketball and track, posting a 38’5″ shot put and 117’1″ discus as a sophomore during this current outdoor T&F season.

Noticeably long with an intriguing amount of room to fill in on his giant frame, Zilka was a varsity starter in the trenches as a sophomore for a Class 5A competitor. He displayed pass-rushing production as an underclassman thanks to a good get-off, solid ability as a 1v1 tackler in the backfield and in space, and a noticeable motor. Zilka also envelops ball carriers as a tackler. However, I do think it’s worth noting that I believe his ceiling and future may be higher as an OT, so keep an eye out there. He’s got the build and frame and the position fits his skillset and athleticism better. Either way, Burnsville has some tremendous young bucks coming up through the ranks right now. You heard it here first!

Overwhelming long, showed up twitch, after which he could cut tight off an OT’s hip and play half a man, which allowed him to easily work by blockers. Could keep his hands active, work a move, and keep OL at bay when he locked out and extended his arms. Zilka did a good job of keeping his hands active, working a jab step when necessary, and generally keep that motor running throughout a rep. 6.5′.5″. 244 lbs., 80″ wingspan, 10.5″ hands, and a 7’6″ broad jump to highlight his testing performance. Good showing from Burnsville’s top 2028 prospect!

An absolute UNIT of a sophomore with a scholarship frame on him, Zilka put together some very intriguing tape from his sophomore campaign. His size is evident in his film, but he moves uncommonly well for a sophomore with a 6’6″ frame. He’s quick for his size, but also possesses a substantial amount of power, which allows him to both effectively bull-rush tackles and occasionally beat them around the edge or with moves across their face. He’s big and tough for offensive linemen to move, which makes him a threat in the run game as well. I think he’s got breakout potential written all over him, and I’d love to see him run it at some camps this spring.