I talked with Notre Dame 2025 four-star cornerback target Mark Zackery on Friday night. Indianapolis (Ind.) Ben Davis is one of the top teams in class 6A and hosted Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy. The Giants lost 34-14 but Zackery scored one touchdown, recovered one fumble and made several receptions and tackles.
First, Zackery confirmed he's all set to visit campus on Sept. 23 for the Ohio State game. You can keep tabs on the visitors on our running visitors list thread.
Zackery visited the Irish twice this summer and said his relationship with head coach Marcus Freeman and cornerbacks coach Mike Mickens is in a really good place. Each coach spoke with him earlier this week (both individually).
"Our relationship is just getting better and better," Zackery told Inside ND Sports. "I feel like I'm building a great relationship with those guys. Narrowing down the schools and getting a good feel for the coaches and what I'm looking for in the school, it's coming down well. I feel like Notre Dame is up there."
The 6-foot, 160-pound recruit said the in-person connection means a lot to him and he's looking for coaches who value him. He's really looking forward to the environment on Sept. 23 because he knows both coaching staffs and believes both teams are capable of big seasons.
As I said back in June, Zackery's recruitment could get interesting because of his rise as a basketball recruit. Zackery told me he grew up playing with Notre Dame men's basketball 2025 targets Azavier Robinson, Jalen Haralson, Braylon Mullins and even 2024 safety commit Brauntae Johnson, who likely could play college basketball himself. Zackery hasn't had direct contact with Micah Shrewsberry at all but does have a prior relationship with assistant coach Ryan Owens.
From my point of view, Zackery had a better second half than first at cornerback. He didn't allow any receptions in the second half after allowing two early in the first half. He's a very fluid athlete and his wingspan is longer than most defensive backs in his class. Ben Davis put in its second-string defense in the last six to eight minutes of the fourth quarter.
Notre Dame isn't recruiting him at wide receiver but Zackery played well at the position. His touchdown came over 2024 five-star cornerback and Georgia commit Ellis Robinson, whom Zackery was matched up with on the night and got open on multiple routes against. His primary matchups defensively were against 2025 four-star wide receiver Donovan Olugbode and 2025 five-star wide receiver and Colorado commit Winston Watkins Jr.
Zackery reports 28 total offers including Notre Dame, Cincinnati, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Tennessee and Wisconsin.
Zackery also has plans to visit Cincinnati, Michigan, Ohio State, Purdue and Tennessee this season.
There is no decision timeline and Zackery said he's still open to all schools before cutting his list.
Link to full story:
InsideNDSports - Notre Dame 2025 four-star CB target Mark Zackery on recruitment, season
Indianapolis Ben Davis 2025 cornerback Mark Zackery details his relationship with Notre Dame and Mike Mickens.
notredame.rivals.com
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