Football
Sep 27 (Sat)
7 p.m.
Buy Advanced Parking
- Title:
- Special Teams QC
Ole Miss '01
30th year in coaching
2nd year at NC State
EDUCATION:
Graduated from Ole Miss in 2001 with a degree in political science and went on to earn a master’s degree in higher education/student personnel two years later.
PERSONAL DATA:
A native of Knoxville, Tenn., Roper is married to the former Rebecca Harvey of Bossier City, La., and the couple has one son, Joshua, and one daughter, Mikayla.
BOWL EXPERIENCE:
AS A COACH – NC State - 2022 Duke's Mayo Bowl; Duke - 2012 Belk Bowl, 2013 Chick Fil A Bowl, 2014 Sun Bowl, 2015 Pinstripe Bowl, 2017 QuickLance Bowl, 2018 Independence Bowl; Ole Miss - 2002 Independence Bowl, 2003 Cotton Bowl, Oklahoma  - 1999 Independence Bowl, 2000 Music City Bowl
COACHING HIGHLIGHTS
Overall:
- Has coached in 11Â bowl games.
At Duke
- In 2020, Duke’s offense averaged 379.9 yards per game and produced 33 total touchdowns.
- In 2019, mentored a Duke offense that averaged 329.7 yards per game and compiled 37 total touchdowns. During his watch, the Blue Devils registered 40-plus points in three-straight outings, and in four-of-five consecutive games.
- QB Daniel Jones was the No. 6 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and was the starting quarterback for the New York Giants. He finished the 2018 season completing 237-of-392 (.605) passes for 22 touchdowns and nine interceptions while rushing for 319 yards and three touchdowns on 104 attempts. He was also tabbed the Most Valuable Player of the 2019 Reese’s Senior Bowl.
- In 2017, the Blue Devils boasted three players with 500-plus rushing yards for the first time in school history. The Duke ground trio was one of just two in the ACC to post 500-plus rushing yards and six-plus rushing scores each.
- In 2014, Duke boasted four All-America special teams performers. Punt returner Jamison Crowder picked up second team All-America accolades from Lindy’s while Edwards, Monday and Martin all were honorable mention choices by Sports Illustrated.
At Cornell:
- In 2007, Cornell paced the league in punt return average — returning two punts for touchdowns during the year — and kickoff coverage. The Big Red also posted touchdowns via a fake field goal and kickoff return. Coaching the running backs in 2006, Roper tutored Luke Siwula, who rushed for 885 yards en route to receiving All-Ivy League honors. In 2005, Cornell finished the year ranked 10th nationally in rushing offense.
- During his three seasons, Cornell was perfect on PATs.
YEAR BY YEAR WITH ZAC ROPER
| Year(s) | Team | Position |
| 1996-98    | Oklahoma      | Student Assistant |
| 1999-04 | Ole Miss | Student/Graduate Assistant |
| 2005-06 | Cornell | Special Teams/RB/TE |
| 2007 | Cornell | Special Teams Coor./CB |
| 2008-12 | Duke | Special Teams /RB |
| 2013-15 | Duke | Special Teams Coor./TE |
| 2016-20 | Duke | Asst. Head Coach/Off. Coor./QB |
| 2021 | Duke | DHC/TE |
| 2022 | NC State | Analyst |
| 2023-24 | FIU | Special Teams Coor./TE |
| 2025 | NC State | Special Teams QC |
