During his freshman season, Zac Tallent recorded 17 catches in one game, one shy of the Anderson record at that time of 18. From that point on, Tallent set his mind to breaking that record and cementing his place in AU football history.
“My sophomore year, I came out and had the most incredible season of my life,” said Tallent. “After the second to last game of the year, a recruit came down and looked me in the face and said, ‘Hey, you had 22 catches today,’ and I knew that I had set the record.”
But Tallent did not stop there. After breaking the record for most catches in one game, Tallent knew he had the opportunity to set more AU records. As a senior, Tallent recently broke the AU career reception record against Franklin College on Oct. 23. With one game left in his senior season, Tallent’s career total for receptions currently sits at 238: well above the previous career record of 217 set by Hyman Smith, a 2006 graduate.
“Coming into this season, I knew that I was going to be in the 40 to 50 range for receptions and break the all-time record. I definitely said it many times. ‘I’m trying to break this record.’”
One of the main things that persuaded Tallent to come to AU was the ability to have an immediate impact on the football program and have the opportunity to put up these kinds of numbers.
“You don’t break the career reception record unless you play as a freshman and you get a lot of catches and stuff. Just having the opportunity to come and play right away and try to build something here that these coaches were trying to do was something that I bought into and was really excited about.”
In addition to holding the AU records for most receptions in a game and career receptions, Tallent set the record for most catches in a season with 108 during the 2019-2020 season.
“I wish all of my teammates could break those records. Just because that would mean that we’re doing things right and we’re doing stuff to help us win ball games.”
Tallent attributes much of his success to the coaching he has received at AU from individuals such as Coach Eric Lantz, the offensive coordinator for the Ravens. Tallent also credits his teammates.
“The fact that we have a quarterback that is comfortable throwing the ball 60 times a game is good for every receiver because it just means more opportunities.”
Regardless of his personal records, Tallent’s focus during his four seasons as an Anderson Raven has been on the team and program as a whole.
“I love football and I did everything I could to make the program better.”
In addition to his commitment to the Ravens football program, Tallent wants to leave a specific legacy behind.
“I would like everybody to think of Zac Tallent as the guy that was at all the sporting events calling the games or whatever and loved Anderson Ravens sports, loved to tweet about it and hated Manchester.”