Philadelphia, PA -- If you saw him leaving the student union, sitting in class, or entering the Hayman Center, you would never assume that John Zabel played football.  He stands 6'2, weighs about 192 lbs. and with his slight build and long hair tends to remind people more of a 1970's tennis star then a wide receiver.  That is of course, until you watch him play football each week as he continues to set new standards for future La Salle receivers.  For his 2004 accomplishments, Zabel was only one of three juniors to be named to the Don Hansen's NCAA 1-AA Mid-Major All-American Team on offense.    In addition to being named all-MAAC First Team at WR, Zabel was also on the MAAC All-Academic Team.

            In the last two seasons, Zabel has caught 88 passes for 1,800 yards and 15 touchdowns.  His 20.4 yards per catch average over the past two season ranks as one of the highest in the country among all divisions.  One of the most impressive statistics is the fact that Zabel has dropped only two catchable passes in the last two seasons.  In an offense that distributes the ball to eight or nine skill players per game, it is very difficult to be the "go-to-guy".  John represents the closest thing to a premiere player in the Explorers' high-octane offense.   "There is no question that John makes the other skill players better, they don't want to be outdone, and he sets an incredibly high standard every single week", commented head coach, Phil Longo.  Zabel typically attracts double-teams which has allowed fellow receivers like Lou Russo and Greg Vacarro to operate in the open field.  Zabel leads a corps of receivers that will return three starters, and five receivers who saw varsity action last season.