The Panthers on Wednesday signed defensive lineman Zach Kerr. The versatile lineman has taken reps as an edge rusher, as well as on the interior of the line during his past stops in Arizona, Denver and Indianapolis.
Before Kerr puts his hand in the dirt for Carolina, get to know the Panthers' newest pass rusher.
Military background
Prior to heading to college, Kerr opted to spend a year at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia. The college prep school allows players to spend an extra year developing in order to better prepare for the collegiate level – and it has a long history of success. FUMA has produced over 100 NFL players over the years, including Kerr and other notable names like Saints wideout Michael Thomas, Texans running back Carlos Hyde and 21-year veteran quarterback Vinny Testaverde.
Kerr joins edge rusher Marquis Haynes as current Panthers to attend the school.
A late start
For Kerr, playing organized football wasn't an option until high school. It wasn't because of a lack of desire or an injury, though. Kerr simply was too big to be allowed to play football before he reached high school.
As a senior he had already reached a hulking 6'1" and 323 pounds, so it's not hard to imagine how massive he was back in middle school. Even though he couldn't play himself, Kerr made sure he could still get his football fix by volunteering as an assistant coach with a local little league team.
A family of Zs
Kerr, whose full name is Zachariah, isn't the only Z in his family. The defensive lineman has two sisters named Zittorah and Zionna to round out the trio.
Check out photos from Kerr's past stops in Arizona, Denver and Indianapolis.
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Zach Kerr (92) stands on the field during a NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won the game 38-24. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Zach Kerr (92) talks on the sideline bench during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Los Angeles. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 31-24. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Zach Kerr (92) pursues the ball carrier during a NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Los Angeles. The Rams won the game 31-24. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Zach Kerr (92) runs forward during a NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Los Angeles. The Rams won the game 31-24. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Zach Kerr (92) watches from the sideline during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 34-7. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Denver Broncos defensive end Zach Kerr (92) rushes during an NFL preseason football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Los Angeles. The Rams defeated the Broncos, 10-6. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Denver Broncos defensive end Zach Kerr (92) takes part in drills during an NFL football training camp session Monday, Aug. 5, 2019, in Englewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Zach Kerr (94) on the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/R Brent Smith)
Denver Broncos defensive end Zach Kerr (92) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, in Denver. The Browns defeated the Broncos, 17-16. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Denver Broncos defensive lineman Zach Kerr (92) celebrates a tackle for a loss during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018 in Denver, Colo. (Greg Trott via AP)
Denver Broncos defensive lineman Zach Kerr (92) celebrates a sack during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018 in Glendale, Ariz. (Greg Trott via AP)
Denver Broncos defensive end Zach Kerr (92) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Denver Broncos defensive end Zach Kerr (92) celebrates his sack against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
Denver Broncos defensive end Zach Kerr looks on against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half in an NFL football preseason game Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Indianapolis Colts nose tackle Zach Kerr, right, is congratulated by linebacker Josh McNary (57) after intercepting a pass as Minnesota Vikings guard Jeremiah Sirles (78) watches during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Nick Foles (4) looks to throw while being pressured by Indianapolis Colts' Zach Kerr (94) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Indianapolis Colts nose tackle Zach Kerr celebrates following an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014, in Indianapolis. The Colts won the game 27-0. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Chicago Bears quarterback Brian Hoyer (2) tries to pull away from Indianapolis Colts defensive end Zach Kerr (94) during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
