Interview: 4-Star 2021 Georgia DE Khristian Zachary Lists Top Schools

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The college football world is after four-star Class of 2021 defensive end/outside linebacker Khristian Zachary. Playing with Landmark High School during his junior season, Zachary was a terror racking up an estimated stat line of 60 tackles, 40 tackles for a loss, 15 sacks, and four forced fumbles in about six games played. The 6-3, 250-pound, defender has since shot up recruiting boards with 26 offers laid out before him. The offer list should continue to grow playing his senior season at powerhouse Carrollton High School.

In a detailed Q&A RNG interview, Zachary talks about his new role within the Trojans’ defensive scheme in 2020 with an update on his workouts and a listing of his current top schools.

Interview

Khristian, coming off the edge you use a mix of speed and power to collapse the pocket to destroy Georgia offenses. When the 2019 season had ended, what did you feel were all the things you did well on the field as an end?

I felt like my get off, stance, and my motor were the strengths to my game. I never stopped running to the ball and I kept pushing to collapse the pocket; that is where most of the sacks come from, second effort.”

Your motor and determination makes you relentless once the ball is snapped, what are some of the moves you use to go with the physical and mental aspects to get to the quarterback?

“I use a swipe move a lot; I have a lot of tape on that move. The rip and in-and-out – that is one of my favorite moves that I’ve been doing that since I was a freshman season. My main moves are the swipe, rip, and swim; those are the main three.”

Was there a challenge you faced on the field during your junior season? If so, what did you do to improve or overcome that and how did that adversity make you a better player?

“Being triple-teamed. I had to have better pad level, that is what I did to get past that challenge. My size was a big thing to do with that as well. During the season I kept working out getting stronger and faster to work past it.”

Will you be doing anything differently within the Trojans scheme during the 2020 season?

“Oh yeah; it will be a lot different. I like the defense better, there is more of a chance to showcase my talents. At Landmark I was heads up a lot, but I am more of a 5-tech. At Carrollton, we will run different fronts; I can get to the quarterback without any problems. I really do like their defense.”

Throughout the offseason, what have you been working on to prepare for your senior year?

“This offseason I have been working on my get off and angles. My angles were not as good last year, but that was in a different scheme. My get off and working on those angles along with my pass rush technique. I am always working on getting bigger, stronger, and faster. This offseason I have been watching a lot of film on Von Miller and Nick Bosa.”

Going into recruiting, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“Auburn, LSU, Oregon, I am hearing whispers about Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Kentucky. There are a lot of schools showing interest, those are the main ones right now.”

How many offers have been dropped so far?

“I have 26 offers.”

Which programs were the last couple to offer?

“Louisville and FSU.”

Zachary’s Offer Sheet: Alabama, Appalachian State, Arizona State, Boston College, Coastal Carolina, Colorado, East Carolina, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Liberty, Louisville, Mississippi State, Oklahoma, Penn State, South Carolina, Temple, Tennessee, and Virginia Tech

Going back to last season, have you had a chance to take any unofficial visits?

“Yes, I have been to Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida in March.”

How did the Georgia visit turn out?

“It went well. I like their staff, and I like that they are pumped about football. They are one of my top schools. My other top schools are Oklahoma, Alabama, and Tennessee.”

With that, how did the Tennessee trip go?

“It went great. I love their staff and their facilities too. When I was there, I met with all the coaches; loved them. I love Coach (Jeremy) Pruitt (head coach), Coach Shelton (Felton – OLB), and Coach (Derrick) Ansley (DC).”

Do you have any planned visits ahead, official or unofficial?

“When everything opens back up, I want to visit Louisville, Alabama, Auburn, and Kentucky – there are a lot of schools I want to visit.”

Are any of those official visits or are all of those unofficial?

“They are all unofficial.”

Where are you with official visits?

“I am waiting to decide on those.”

Have you picked out a commitment date?

“Yes, sir; October 15th.”

Is there a significance to the date or is it just a random day picked?

“Just a day I picked to do it.”

What does the ideal fit look like to you at this stage of your recruiting process?

“A place where they can cultivate me as a person, not just in football, but also as a man. Them knowing what I stand for and helping me grow that like building the church from the foundation. I am looking for a place that will make me a better football player. God gave me a lot of talent; I want to be where I will be coached up the best possible. That is where I want to go, and a place with good academics; that is major for me.”

For any recruit, the recruiting process can be stressful and challenging, and being a big-time recruit such as yourself does not make it any easier. How have you handled all the attention and pressure that comes with being a 20-plus offer recruit under a bright spotlight in Georgia?

“Sometimes I can get mad with everyone calling me, but then I have to understand where I came from and how I asked God to help me. A year ago, I had no offers, but I prayed for offers. Even then I was cocky and I kept my faith in God that he would give me a path forward; I knew that would happen. Some days I may get frustrated, but I am working towards a bigger plan, and not just for football. This is what God has given me to do now. I feel like when I get these offers, it reminds me of God and how much he loves me.”

Last question, do you have a message for all the quarterbacks you will face during the 2020 season?

“I preach to the quarterbacks.”

Khristian, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your workouts this summer.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Zachary family; Khristian Zachary at Georgia and at Landmark (2019)