From the Bench: Rodriguez Talks Versatility of Carter Zuliani and Gives Thoughts on BHS Football Program
By Jeff Toquinto on April 06, 2025 from Sports Blog
West Virginia University football Coach Rich Rodriguez has been around the state in general and the region in particular to know a thing about a quality West Virginia athlete as well as a high-level one from Bridgeport High School.
Prior to the start of the recent 42nd Annual Frank Loria Awards Banquet held at the Bridgeport Conference Center, Rodriguez took some time to talk about the next Indian to wear the gold and blue. And what surprised me is that Rodriguez was quick to say the versatility shown by Zuliani in multiple sports at BHS could me versatility on the football squad.
“He’s a really good athlete beyond football, and you just saw that with him playing basketball,” said Rodriguez. “We know he can play 
defensive end, but I think he could play tight end as well.”
defensive end, but I think he could play tight end as well.”
It was as a defensive end where Zuliani earned most of his recognition for the 14-0 and 2024 Class AAA state champion Indians. The first-team defensive line all-stater finished with 27.5 tackles, 12.5 for a loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles, six pass deflections and a blocked kick.
Tight end, however, was not the first thing to come to mind – primarily because he was not a pass-catching tight end. In fairness, the receivers in Bridgeport’s offense are not typically catching a lot of passes either. Still, he did have three catches for 74 yards.
So, why consider tight end? Rodriguez requires his tight ends to be more than average at blocking. Zuliani was exactly that as he was one of the leading rushers for a run game that set school records in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.
“I talked to my staff about it,” Rodriguez said about playing on either side of the ball with Zuliani. “We need to find more guys that can play both ways because our roster is going to be smaller.”
It is safe to say Zuliani will not be getting smaller after arriving in Morgantown. Naturally gifted with size, Zuliani has been listed at 6’6, 240 pounds. For anyone that has watched him play football or basketball – and swimming as well where he helped the boy’s squad to a state
title – they know those are not overinflated physical numbers.
title – they know those are not overinflated physical numbers.
“If a guy is an athlete and he’s got a big frame, there is an awful lot of things you can do. We have all the resources for a strength and conditioning standpoint, we have a nutrition specialist, and everything you’re going to need to develop a player like Carter to the fullest,” said Rodriguez. “At the same time, we don’t want to put weight on guys just to put weight on. If we’re going to put weight on guys, we want them to put on the right weight. More than anything, we’re looking to get our players more athletic and a little bit faster at all the positions.”
“With Carter, he’s already got athleticism and speed,” Rodriguez continued. “Now, we want to, and plan to, enhance that.”
That does not mean Carter Zuliani will be starting or even getting reps or even being on the active roster when his freshman season begins. What it does mean is he will be given the chance to earn whatever comes his way.
“I’m thrilled to get him. I think he’s going to have a great future with us, but here’s the thing. He’s going to have a lot of competition at every 
position, but I think we got one of the best players in the state,” said Rodriguez.
position, but I think we got one of the best players in the state,” said Rodriguez.
Rodriguez also took some time to talk about the Bridgeport football program in general. A former standout for North Marion, he has known about the Indians for decades.
“They’ve always been good, even back when I was playing at North Marion. We were AAA and they were AA,” said Rodriguez. “They not only compete, but they win, and they’ve been doing it my entire life. They did it when (the late Wayne) Smiley (Jamison was there, and they did it when my buddy Bruce Carey was there, and they’ve done it with every coach since.”
When asked why he thought the teams won regardless of who was in charge, he was also quick to answer.
“A big reason comes from the fact they have really good athletes who buy in, but I’m going to give a lot of credit to the parents because they have to come from somewhere,” he said with a laugher. “Seriously, the parents in all situations where you have success buy in and the kids follow. It becomes generational, and that’s the case in Bridgeport.
“Understand, too, they’re coached well and in football that’s another important factor and as big a key to their success as anything,” he continued. “There are a lot of great programs out there and they all know what it takes to win, and Bridgeport is certainly on the list and near the top of it.”
Editor's Note: Top photo shows WVU Coach Rich Rodriguez with Carter Zuliani at the recent Frank Loria Awards banquet. Next two photos show Zuliani in action this past year for the Indians on the football field. Photos by Joe LaRocca.
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