Interview: 3-Star 2021 Loyola DB Zakhari Spears Updates Recruiting with 12 Offers

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When the 2018 California high school football season had ended, there was reason for college teams to look at the roster of the Loyola Cubs seeking out versatile athlete Zakhari Spears. Spears showed he could help win games on offense pulling in 20 passes for 180 yards and shinned on defense putting an end to 54 plays with eight passes defended. The 6-3, 185-pound, skill player has focused his efforts on defense this season playing corner and safety for the Cubs tallying 51 tackles with five passes broken up and two tackles for a loss. His play has helped lead the Los Angeles area squad into the Division IV playoffs with college programs intently watching. Thus far, the three-star 2021 recruit has picked up 12 offers with more to come from other top programs.

In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with one of LA’s best defensive backs for a confab on his season and recruiting prospects.

Interview

Zakhari, you are getting a wealth of experience this season in the Cubs secondary playing both safety and corner. How do you feel your understanding of the game is coming along picking up routes from both spots while seeing run plays develop?

“It is helping a great deal. After covering a receiver as a corner and then dropping back at safety, I am understanding route concepts and how the run effects the pass. I am understanding the whole play instead of one spot on the field.”

The defensive coordinator is mixing up the coverages playing off and press. What all are you guys running in the secondary this season?

“To be honest we run different schemes each week so the quarterbacks and their offense cannot get a read on us. Any coverage you can think of we have run it.”

Which is your favorite coverage?

“The press. Man-to-man is my favorite.”

How has your game as a defensive back improved?

“A great deal. Coach Jerry Phillips got my footwork right and has helped me loosen up my hips. I am understanding the mental part, the intelligence needed, of the position and the great deal of knowledge that goes into the preparation of it.”

No matter how long you play the game, you will always be challenged. How have you been challenged this season on the field?

“I have been challenged by maintaining my disciplined and being more disciplined in my technique. Being consistent in my technique has been important. When I get out of my technique, bad things happen.”

So far this season, which has been your best game from a performance standpoint?

“When I look at my tape, I see areas of improvement needed. No one game is better than all the other ones.”

Which schools are looking in on you?

“Stanford, UCLA, USC, Penn State, Nebraska, and Auburn are showing interest.”

How many offers are you carrying?

“I have 11 offers.”

Spears’ Offer Sheet: Arizona State, BYU, California, Kansas, Maryland, Oregon, Oregon State, San Jose State, Texas Southern, Utah, Washington, and Washington State

**Oregon offered after this interview on Friday

Which schools have you visited recently?

“We went to Cal for a game day visit this season.”

Tell me about the Cal visit.

“They did lose to Oregon State, but it was a great experience. Coach (Justin) Wilcox (HC) and Coach (Gerald) Alexander (DB) are great guys. I learned new tips from them during the visit. That was fun.”

Are you heading out to any campuses coming up?

“We were thinking about an Arizona State visit coming up, Washington as well.”

The Cubs get a chance to make some noise in the playoffs taking on Palos Verdes (8-2) on Friday. What kind of game are you in for against the Sea Kings offense?

“We will play a tough physical game. They like to run the ball but we will shut it down. If they pass, we can shut that down. If we can shut down their run, there is no reason for us to not get the victory.”

***The Cubs won 7-0 against Palos Verdes and face Villa Park in the second round.

Zakhari, I enjoyed catching up with you today going over your play on the field and your recruiting off of it. Good luck to you and the team throughout the playoffs.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Spears family; Zakhari Spears at Cal (fall 2019)