Zach Kertis-Jones

By any measure, the Bryant Hornets are a dynasty. With multiple state championships and a reputation as one of the premier high school football programs in the country, expectations are sky-high every season. 

But for senior running back Zach Kertis-Jones, the pressure to perform isn’t a burden, it’s a privilege.

“Last year is history,” Kertis-Jones said. “This year, we start fresh with everything to prove all over again.”

That mindset of staying humble, hungry, and focused is exactly what the Hornets’ second-year head coach Quad Sanders wants to see from his team as they prepare for an encore 7A Arkansas state title run. But as Sanders puts it, there’s still work to be done.

“We’ve definitely got some work to do,” he said. “Right now, we’re just going through the motions out there, not using our brains. That’s my biggest concern, getting them to think and play smarter.”

If there’s one player Sanders doesn’t have to worry about, though, it’s Kertis-Jones. A two-time state champion, 2024 First Team All-State selection and Special Teams Player of the Year, Zach has already proven himself on the field. But it’s his growth off the field that has truly impressed his coach.

“A lot of guys in his position as a junior might’ve complained or tried to go to another school,” Sanders said. “But not Zach. He embraced his role, learned from the guys ahead of him and had an outstanding season. Now, he’s growing into a real leader to those around him.”

That leadership is rooted in experience and humility. Kertis-Jones spent last season as part of a three-headed backfield, learning from upperclassmen like Daniel Anderson and Myron Thrash Jr., players he still looks up to today.

“They taught me a lot, especially about footwork, patience, and knowing when to strike,” Zach said. “As a running back, timing is everything. They also showed me how to lead, both on and off the field.”

Now, it’s his turn to lead. “I’ve learned so much from the great players before me. I’ve watched, listened, and taken in everything I could. Now I believe I’m ready to step in and lead.”

Coach Sanders agrees.

“Zach is a jack-of-all-trades,” he said. “He fit in really well last year as part of our running back corps, which was a huge part of our championship run. What sets him apart is his work ethic and his commitment to getting better every day. He’s not selfish, and that kind of attitude rubs off on the rest of the team.”

While Bryant traditionally relies on a committee approach in the backfield, Sanders makes it clear that Kertis-Jones will be the group’s tone-setter, especially in the film and locker rooms.

“We don’t usually rely on just one guy; we like to have a strong core group,” he said. “But I’m definitely looking to Zach to lead that room. He’s the oldest, the most mature, and I expect him to set the tone.”

Kertis-Jones’ maturity didn’t come out of nowhere. He credits much of his character and drive to his older brother, Zacchaeus Kertis-Jones, a former Bryant player who inspired him from a young age.

“He’s the reason I started playing football,” he said. “Watching him play for Bryant inspired me and showed me what it takes. He’s had a huge impact on my life.”

“It’s really something to hear Zach call his brother a role model, but I can see it,” Sanders said. “Zacchaeus wasn’t a star, but he showed up to get better every day. He never gave up on himself or his team, and that’s exactly what Zach brings today. Now, I see where it comes from.”

Zach’s leadership extends beyond the field. He’s a student of the game, a fan of football history who admires players like the Detroit Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs and former Denver Broncos great Terrell Davis. He’s also thinking about life after high school. 

With interest from multiple schools in Arkansas and Missouri, he’s excited about the recruiting process and what lies ahead. “It’s been a lot of fun going to camps, talking with coaches and learning about different programs,” he said. “I’m excited for what’s next, wherever that is, and ready to compete.”

Off the field, Zach is considering a future in the medical field or athletic training, inspired by his mother, a nurse, and his own experiences with injury recovery. “I’ve dealt with injuries myself, and I want to help other athletes recover and get back to what they love,” he said.

But for now, his focus is squarely on the present and helping lead the Hornets, honoring the legacy of those who played before him and writing the next chapter in Bryant’s football history.

“It means everything,” Zach said when asked what it means to be a Hornet. “We take pride in it every day. That means trying to do things the right way and working toward perfection. It’s an honor that means a lot to our families, our friends, and our community.”

And with players like Zach Kertis-Jones setting the tone, Bryant’s future looks as bright as its past is decorated. νCharles Crowson