Interview: Talented 2021 ATH Zakhari Spears Covers Breakout Season and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Class of 2021 talent Zakhari Spears had a breakout season, even surprising himself with all that he can do, for Loyola High School during the 2018 season. The Los Angeles area product evolved into a two-way player lining up at receiver and safety and corner on defense. The result was team-highs in receptions (20) and yards (180) and 54 stops on defense with eight passes defended. The rising Cubs star is now attracting recruiting attention with the opportunity to further showcase his skills with ProWay during the 7v7 season and at the Nike Opening Regional in LA this weekend.

In an RNG exclusive, I sat down with Spears getting the inside scoop on his sophomore year and a quick update on his recruitment and upcoming visit to Arizona State.

Interview

Zakhari, few sophomores get playing time much less get to be a key contributor on both sides of the ball. When did you find out you would be starting going both ways?

“I started at safety at first, then they started playing me at receiver, and then I moved to corner on defense. I did start both ways. This was my first year playing as a defensive back.”

What was that process like for you playing in the secondary?

“I used my athleticism, but I was challenged. I did not have technique, but I am training now learning the technique needed. It was fun playing corner. Playing receiver trained me on how to press and then going the other way how to get off the press. I was surprised at how good I was playing corner. Now I am trying to be good enough to get recruited as a corner.”

How did you prepare for each game given all that you do?

“We practiced four days a week, watched film on Saturday to go over their front – what they like to do and their coverages. I would go home to watch even more film. I would critique myself and then breakdown the opposing team to see their strengths and weaknesses to try to exploit them.”

Once the season got going, how did you step up your game going against all the tough teams?

“My take away from the season, it does not matter the stars or hype a player has. All that matters is the effort you give and how much you care about the game – the training and working to get better all the time.”

I like that and agree with you. What do you feel are your strengths on offense as a receiver?

“It is hard to press me with my frame. I am faster than I look and I understand leverages and how to attack coverages. The nuances of the game I have picked up so far has helped strengthen my game. I’m not that efficient at receiver yet, I have just been playing receiver for three years but I am getting better and working hard. Going against college level defensive backs has helped me. I have a good mental game but I am still working on everything.”

And on defense, what are your strengths on that side of the ball?

“Similar to offense, I am aggressive, I get in their face and sit on their inside. My catchup speed is good. I can make a play on the ball. I am working on reading routes better.”

You have mentioned a few things you are working on, what else are you working on this offseason?

“I am working on my footwork, speed, and all the intangibles. I am improving on my body to get that to the level with my mental approach. As mentioned, I am working hard on analyzing routes as a DB. I am working to get better for next year, I am grinding every day.”

Are you playing 7v7 ball this spring?

“Yes. I am playing with ProWay.”

How is 7v7 with ProWay helping?

“They have a great system. My personal trainer is the coach on my team. I have that guiding hand to help me right then and there. I don’t have to wait days or weeks to fix something.”

Are you going to any national camps and/or combines this spring to showcase your skills?

“Yes. I am going to the Nike Opening (LA) and I am playing in the Pylon (7v7) Tournament in Vegas.”

Going to recruiting. I know it is still early in your process but are any schools showing interest?

“Yes. The main schools showing interest are Arizona State, I am going to visit them on Feb. 16, Colorado State, and UCLA.”

Nice. You mentioned the ASU visit, what has you excited about the trip with the Sun Devils?

“Chad Johnson Jr. (WR – Cathedral, ASU commit) has talked highly of their program. Coach Herm Edwards (head coach), he has all the years of experience from playing in the NFL and as a head coach in the NFL. I am excited to check out everything at ASU.”

Zakhari, I appreciate your time today and wish you luck at the Nike Regional and on your ASU visit.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credits: athletics.loyolahs.edu; No. 25 Zakhari Spears