Film Don't Lie | Mark Zackery
In five recruiting classes from 2017-2021, Notre Dame signed only four composite blue-chip (4 or 5-star) cornerbacks. Since then, they have signed or gained commitments from seven of them.
Make it eight now that Mark Zackery IV pledged to the Irish today.
The two-sport athlete out of Ben Davis in Indianapolis is another elite corner prospect joining Dallas Golden and Cree Thomas in Notre Dame’s 2025 class. Zackery is an exceptional athlete and this dunk from someone who is 6-0 (or possibly shorter) backs that up.
This is a significant addition to the class for Notre Dame.
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 160
Projected Position: Cornerback
ISD Grade: 93 (4-star)
National Average Grade: 92.1 (4-star)
What he does best:
Zackery is a playmaker. He had 12 total passes defended last season including four interceptions.
That interception was from off coverage and in zone coverage, but he can find the football in-phase as well. He has the skill set to be great in man coverage.
He does a nice job mirroring receivers and his twitch allows him to recover quickly. He can line up in press coverage and match up well.
He’s an instinctive player who shows great recognition in coverage, but also against the run.
What he needs to improve:
He’s primarily a cut tackler and I always worry about that against bigger backs.
He has the quick feet, recovery speed, and fluidity to succeed in press, but he can get to a higher level with better technique. There are times he is physical there, but allows a free release often.
What’s his ceiling?
Zackery has the tools to be an outstanding corner and I could see him playing outside or as a slot defender.
He’s a bit light right now, but once he isn’t playing basketball, it should be a lot easier for him to add the right weight. Once that happens, he could be ready to compete for playing time immediately at Notre Dame.
Zackery’s game reminds me of former Michigan CB DJ Turner, a player Notre Dame offered and I really liked as a prospect. He had a very good career there before becoming a day two pick in the NFL Draft.
Who he could be:
Former Michigan CB DJ Turner
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Crosshatch Picnic Caddy Tote Bag
