2021 as a Fourth-Year Sophomore: Played in five games… Had five tackles (three solo) to go with 1.0 tackle for loss, a half sack and one pass breakup… Had two tackles and a half sack vs. Morehead State (Sept. 4).
Prior to JMU: Spent three seasons at Ohio State (2018-20) before transferring to JMU… Appeared in five games for the Buckeyes, playing in two games in 2020 and three in 2019… Redshirted in 2018… Made four tackles in 2019, including a career-high three against Miami (OH)… 2020 Big Ten Distinguished Scholar… 2019 OSU Scholar-Athlete and Academic All-Big Ten.
High School: All-Ohio honors as a junior and senior… All-Region as a junior and senior… All-Conference as a junior and senior… Had 45 tackles, 5.5 sacks and a forced fumble as a senior, ranking fifth in Greater Miami Conference in sacks… Helped Mason reach state playoffs in 2016 and 2017… Four-year member of the wrestling program, winning the sectional championship and qualifying for states at 285 lbs.
Personal: Full name is Zaid M. Hamdan… Son of Nader and Heyam Hamdan… Has a brother, Omar, and sister, Tala… His father was an amateur boxer and is now an aerospace engineer… His uncle was a World Cup soccer player… Was born overseas and speaks two languages... Received bachelor's degree from Ohio State... Pursuing continuing education program certificate, adult special.