Zander Horvath

Zander Horvath
Personal information
Born: (1998-12-10) December 10, 1998 (age 26)
Mishawaka, Indiana, U.S.
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:230 lb (104 kg)
Career information
High school:Marian
(Mishawaka, Indiana)
College:Purdue (2017–2021)
Position:Fullback
NFL draft:2022 / round: 7 / pick: 260
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Rushing attempts:4
Rushing yards:8
Receptions:5
Receiving yards:8
Receiving touchdowns:2
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Alexander (Zander) John Horvath (born December 10, 1998) is an American professional football fullback. He played college football at Purdue, and has previously played in the NFL for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Early life

Zander went to Saint Bavo for elementary and middle school, where he played football and graduated from in 2013. Horvath then also played football at Marian High School in Mishawaka, Indiana.[1] He recorded 3,373 yards and 50 touchdowns on the ground, earning all-state and USA Today Midwest Regional All-American honors.[2]

College career

Horvath initially committed to Indiana to play linebacker as a preferred walk-on, but switched commitments when Purdue running backs coach Chris Barclay offered him a chance to play his natural position of running back.[3][4]

Horvath did not play in 2017.

In 2018, Horvath appeared in 13 games, rushing nine times for 42 yards and a touchdown. Horvath also caught four passes for 38 yards.[5]

In 2019, Horvath's role expanded. Horvath appeared in 11 games, starting four. He rushed 79 times for 377 yards and two touchdowns, and caught 17 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown.[6]

In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Horvath appeared in 6 games, starting five. He rushed 89 times for 442 yards and two touchdowns, and caught 30 passes for 304 yards.[7]

In his senior year of 2021, Horvath rushed 91 times for 320 yards, and caught 17 passes for 108 yards.[8]

Professional career

Pre-draft

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 1+3⁄4 in
(1.87 m) 		232 lb
(105 kg) 		32 in
(0.81 m) 		8+3⁄4 in
(0.22 m)		 4.61 s 1.57 s 2.58 s 4.25 s 6.75 s 35.5 in
(0.90 m)		 10 ft 3 in
(3.12 m)		 31 reps
All values from Pro Day[9][10]

Initially not projected to be a drafted player, Horvath intrigued scouts with his elite positional athleticism for a fullback, scoring a 9.83 out of 10 Raw Athletic Score (RAS).[11]

Los Angeles Chargers (first stint)

Horvath was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the seventh round (260th overall) of the 2022 NFL draft.[12] He became the first running back or fullback to catch a touchdown in his first two games since 1942.[13] He was released by the Chargers on August 30, 2023.[14]

Pittsburgh Steelers

On September 2, 2023, Horvath signed to the practice squad of the Pittsburgh Steelers.[15] He was released on October 9.[16]

Los Angeles Chargers (second stint)

Horvath was re-signed to the Chargers practice squad on November 22, 2023.[17] He was released on December 1.[18]

New Orleans Saints

On March 7, 2024, Horvath signed with the New Orleans Saints.[19] On August 13, Horvath was waived by the Saints.[20]

Miami Dolphins

On August 19, 2024, Horvath signed with the Miami Dolphins.[21] He was waived on August 27.[22]

References

  1. ^ Noie, Tom (September 1, 2016). "Speed, power drive Marian RB Horvath". South Bend Tribune. Retrieved May 1, 2022.
  2. ^ Glaspie, Akeem (November 30, 2019). "Told he was a linebacker, Purdue's Zander Horvath proving he's a running back — and more". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved April 30, 2022.
  3. ^ Fezler, D. J. (March 31, 2022). "Purdue Running Back Zander Horvath Posts Impressive Pro Day Performance". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
  4. ^ Fezler, D. J. (August 30, 2022). "Former Purdue Running Back Zander Horvath Makes Chargers' Initial 53-Man Roster". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
  5. ^ "Alexander Horvath 2018 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
  6. ^ "Alexander Horvath 2019 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
  7. ^ "Alexander Horvath 2020 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
  8. ^ "Alexander Horvath 2021 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
  9. ^ "Chargers select Zander Horvath with No. 260 pick in 2022 draft". NFL.com. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
  10. ^ "2022 NFL Draft Scout Zander Horvath College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
  11. ^ Peterson, Michael (April 30, 2022). "Chargers select FB Zander Horvath with the 260th-overall pick". Bolts From The Blue. Retrieved May 1, 2022.
  12. ^ Horner, Scott (April 30, 2022). "Purdue running back Zander Horvath picked in the seventh round by the Chargers". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved July 31, 2022.
  13. ^ Harvey, Paul (September 16, 2022). "Zander Horvath becomes first RB/FB in 80 years to achieve impressive start". Saturday Tradition. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  14. ^ "Los Angeles Chargers Claim Linebacker Tanner Muse". Chargers.com. August 30, 2023. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
  15. ^ Varley, Teresa (September 2, 2023). "Steelers sign three to practice squad". Steelers.com. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  16. ^ Varley, Teresa (October 9, 2023). "Steelers make roster moves". Steelers.com. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  17. ^ "Los Angeles Chargers Place Joey Bosa on Injured Reserve; Sign Andrew Farmer II to Active Roster". Chargers.com. November 22, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  18. ^ Borquez, Gavino (December 1, 2023). "Chargers sign OL Austen Pleasants to practice squad". Chargers Wire. USA Today. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
  19. ^ "New Orleans Saints sign fullback Zander Horvath". NewOrleansSaints.com. March 7, 2024. Retrieved March 8, 2024.
  20. ^ Alper, Josh (August 13, 2024). "Saints sign CB Kaleb Ford-Dement, waive FB Zander Horvath". NBC Sports. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  21. ^ "Miami Dolphins Make Roster Moves". MiamiDolphins.com. August 19, 2024. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  22. ^ "Miami Dolphins Make Roster Moves". MiamiDolphins.com. August 27, 2024.