Kansas’ wrestling-built, lunch-pail guard who turned toughness into Big 12 value
In the 2012 season, Duane Zlatnik earned Associated Press All-Big 12 honorable mention and was a multi-year starter for Kansas, with the Jayhawks trusting him at both left and right guard.[3][6] His calling card was rugged versatility: he arrived as a defensive lineman, flipped to offense, and became a dependable interior blocker with a wrestler’s leverage, balance, and edge.[3][6][10] For a team needing a tough, reliable tone-setter up front, Zlatnik fits the mold of a high-effort, coachable lineman who wins with physicality more than flash.[6][10]
