Zac Diles


Zachary Lee Diles is a former American football linebacker. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Kansas State.
He was also a member of the St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Houston Texans.

Early years

Diles attended Tulare Union High School, but did not gain any post-season recognition in football.

College career

Diles was a two-year starter at Fresno City College in 2003 and 2004. He totaled 70 tackles in 2004 and 60 in 2003. In his two seasons the team had a 16-5 record and in 2004 Diles was named All.CVC
He finished his college career at Kansas State. He did not start in 2005 at Kansas State but still finished fourth on the team with 50 tackles, adding two sacks, a pair of quarterback pressures, 5.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage and three forced fumbles. Diles earned honorable mention All-Big 12 in 2006. He ranked second on the team and eighth in the conference with 99 tackles while starting all 13 games at middle linebacker. He added 3.5 sacks with two pressures and was credited with 7.5 stops for losses. He recovered one fumble, deflected two passes and intercepted another.
In 24 games at Kansas State, Diles started 13 contests. He produced 149 tackles with 5.5 sacks, 13 stops for losses and four pressures. He caused three fumbles, recovered another, knocked down two passes and had one interception.

Professional career

Pre-draft measureables

Houston Texans

Diles was selected in the 7th round of the 2007 NFL Draft. As a rookie in 2007 Diles played mostly on special teams. In 2008, he started 8 games as the Texans strong-side linebacker and made 66 tackles. In 2009, he moved to weakside linebacker and made 64 tackles and forced two fumbles. In 2010, he was again the starting weakside linebacker and totaled 81 tackles.

St. Louis Rams

He was signed to a free agent contract on July 29, 2011. He was released in the final cutdown after the fourth preseason game.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Diles signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 4, 2011. He was cut on December 3, 2011.

Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts claimed Diles off waivers on December 6. After playing in four games for the Colts in 2011, and recording two tackles, Diles was waived on February 7, 2012.

Tennessee Titans

Diles signed with the Tennessee Titans on May 1, 2012.

Kansas City Chiefs

On April 12, 2013 Diles signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was released before the season.

Second stint with Tennessee Titans

Diles signed with the Tennessee Titans on October 17, 2013. Diles was released by the Titans on December 3, 2013.

Cleveland Browns

Diles signed a contract with the Cleveland Browns after he worked out for them during their voluntary minicamp.

Second stint with the Houston Texans

Diles signed with the Houston Texans on October 28, 2014.