Fifth-year senior walk-on, fourth-year starting long snapper... Veteran with 36 career games played (tied for ninth-most on squad) entering 2013 season... Local product of nearby Midway High School in Hewitt, Texas... Named to Fall 2012 Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll.
2012 (Junior): Primary long snapper on all placements in all 13 games as junior... Named to Fall 2012 Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll... Served as pre-game team captain at No. 9 West Virginia (fourth game) and vs. No. 1 Kansas State (10th game).
2011 (Sophomore): Played in 11 of 13 games as primary long snapper on punt team... Did not play in wins over Stephen F. Austin (second game) or Rice (third game) due to team attempting zero punts in both games.
2010 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in 12 of 13 games as primary long snapper on punt team, earned first collegiate letter... Made one tackle... Did not play in seventh game at Colorado because Baylor attempted no punts... Credited with one solo tackle on punt coverage in season-opening win vs. Sam Houston State.
2009 (True Freshman): Walk-on, sat out first season at Baylor and participated on practice squad, redshirted to retain eligibility.
High School: Prepped at nearby Midway High School in Hewitt, Texas... Played for head coach Kent Bachtel at MHS... Two-time first-team All-District 16-4A honoree... Named to 2008 All-District 16-4A first team as center following senior season and to 2007 first team as deep snapper following junior season... Also named honorable mention Waco Tribune-Herald Super Centex as senior in 2008.
Personal: Son of Bill and Sandra Northern... Full name is Zachary Charles Northern... Born June 26, 1990, in Waco, Texas... Majoring in general studies.