Atkins Ready To Show Out After Jump From D2
August 15, 2025 | Football
BOUDLER -- Before Zach Atkins became a tight end at Colorado, he was a fan in the stands, dreaming of what it would be like to play for the Buffaloes.
Now, his dreams are coming true.
"This is what I dreamed about," Atkins said. "Look around — it's crazy to be here."
Atkins has high aspirations for his first season with the Buffaloes, and his goals start with embracing his role as a tight end. Whether it's making big blocks or big plays, Atkins can't wait to get started.
"I think us tight ends have really embraced that," Atkins said. "But what I do best is catch footballs and score touchdowns. So, I'm looking forward to doing that, too."
Admiring The Best
Plenty of tight ends have starred at the collegiate and professional levels, and Atkins is certainly aware of that fact. He's studied the best in the game, and he's not shy about who inspires him.
"I'd have to say Brock Bowers is my favorite tight end in the league," Atkins said. "Even though I'm a Chiefs fan, I've watched a lot of him just from being a Chiefs fan."
Atkins is also thrilled to learn from Colorado's coaching staff, and he's already picked up some valuable lessons.
"Coach has been unbelievable," Atkins said. "He holds us to a really high standard, and that's why I came here. He expects the most out of us. The room of guys is — they're all great guys. It's just been awesome to be here with them."
Confidence From The Past
Atkins isn't just learning from the best — he's also leaning on his own experiences from his time as a D2 player. He had a productive season last year, and he's confident he can make the jump to a higher level.
"I think the biggest thing for me is just being consistent," Atkins said. "It's tough to come out here every day and be consistent, and I think that's been the biggest challenge for me, but that's what I'm working towards every day."
In addition to learning from his coaches, Atkins also values his relationships with his teammates, and he's eager to prove himself at this level.
"They're both great dudes, and they're both really darn good football players," Atkins said. "Obviously, they know that, but if whoever's out there, I have 100 percent faith in both of them."
As Atkins prepares for the upcoming season, he's focused on being a consistent contributor and making an impact on the field.
"It's been awesome to be here with them," Atkins said. "I know I'm here, and it's time to show up."
Now, his dreams are coming true.
"This is what I dreamed about," Atkins said. "Look around — it's crazy to be here."
Atkins has high aspirations for his first season with the Buffaloes, and his goals start with embracing his role as a tight end. Whether it's making big blocks or big plays, Atkins can't wait to get started.
"I think us tight ends have really embraced that," Atkins said. "But what I do best is catch footballs and score touchdowns. So, I'm looking forward to doing that, too."
Admiring The Best
Plenty of tight ends have starred at the collegiate and professional levels, and Atkins is certainly aware of that fact. He's studied the best in the game, and he's not shy about who inspires him.
"I'd have to say Brock Bowers is my favorite tight end in the league," Atkins said. "Even though I'm a Chiefs fan, I've watched a lot of him just from being a Chiefs fan."
Atkins is also thrilled to learn from Colorado's coaching staff, and he's already picked up some valuable lessons.
"Coach has been unbelievable," Atkins said. "He holds us to a really high standard, and that's why I came here. He expects the most out of us. The room of guys is — they're all great guys. It's just been awesome to be here with them."
Confidence From The Past
Atkins isn't just learning from the best — he's also leaning on his own experiences from his time as a D2 player. He had a productive season last year, and he's confident he can make the jump to a higher level.
"I think the biggest thing for me is just being consistent," Atkins said. "It's tough to come out here every day and be consistent, and I think that's been the biggest challenge for me, but that's what I'm working towards every day."
In addition to learning from his coaches, Atkins also values his relationships with his teammates, and he's eager to prove himself at this level.
"They're both great dudes, and they're both really darn good football players," Atkins said. "Obviously, they know that, but if whoever's out there, I have 100 percent faith in both of them."
As Atkins prepares for the upcoming season, he's focused on being a consistent contributor and making an impact on the field.
"It's been awesome to be here with them," Atkins said. "I know I'm here, and it's time to show up."
Players Mentioned
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