BREAKING | 2025 In-State Four-Star CB Mark Zackery IV Commits to Notre Dame
Notre Dame has made Indianapolis a hot spot over the last few years, and the Irish have landed a commitment from one of Indiana’s best prospects in 2025, Ben Davis High School (Ind.) cornerback Mark Zackery IV.
Zackery chose the Irish over Cincinnati, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Purdue, Tennessee and USC following a massive junior season. On offense, Zackery recorded 53 receptions for 823 yards and eight touchdowns while also making 39 tackles and four interceptions on defense.
The four-star prospect will have the chance to play college ball close to home but Notre Dame never took distance for granted during Zackery’s recruitment, which was led by defensive backs coach Mike Mickens.
“I feel like they've been in the most contact with me,” Zackery said last month. “Some of the schools on there, I haven’t been to and I feel like I should go visit. I feel like they've been putting a lot of time into me.”
Mickens has a resume that speaks for itself, but Zackery took it on himself to learn more about his future position coach in addition to forming a strong relationship.
“Definitely the way he develops his players, obviously guys like Ben Morrison, Sauce (Gardner), Coby (Bryant),” Zackery stated. “But also how his players view him.
“I've seen an interview with Ben Morrison and how he was talking about how he hasn't changed since he's been recruiting him and he's got way better and pushes his players, but also treats him like his sons.”
That trust in Mickens might have been the tipping point, yet Notre Dame can offer the two-sport star everything he has sought out in a college.
“I feel like that definitely plays a big part and then him expressing to me that there's other stuff that you can do here, not just for football,” explained Zackery, who averaged 11.0 ppg and 4.3 apg for Ben Davis this year on the hardwood. “Obviously, they have a great education and things to do after football. He expresses that a lot and I feel like he plays a big part in my recruitment there.”
Zackery also enjoyed the big game atmosphere he experienced when he stepped foot on campus for the Ohio State game last September. The Irish might have lost, but the night left a lasting impression.
“I got to see what it feels like for a big game and getting that feeling from this kind of school, giving, a different perspective on what I would be seeing if I was to go here,” stated Zackery.
The commitment gives Notre Dame its fifth secondary commitment of 2025 as Zackery joins fellow cornerbacks Cree Thomas and Dallas Golden and safeties Ethan Long and Ivan Taylor.
Film Don’t Lie | CB Mark Zackery IV
Stay tuned for more on Zackery’s commitment from ISD.
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