Zakhari Spears is a Husky!

Coach Lake and co. have always coveted tall/long cornerbacks. As of today, the Huskies have secured their next big cornerback in Loyola’s (L.A.) Zakhari Spears. 247 has Spears rated as a three three -star recruit, the 37th highest rated CB in the country, and the 43rd highest rated player from California in this class.

At 6’2” and 180 lbs., Spears joins the likes of Kevin King, Keith Taylor, and Dominique Hampton as one of the taller cornerbacks to play on Washington’s defense in the Petersen/Lake era. Spears has the athleticism to play anywhere in the secondary, but with his size he can also contribute in run support. That said, Spears has been working this offseason to improve his already solid footwork and change of direction ability. He can stick with receivers on quicker routes, and also possesses the speed to cover fast receivers down field. A final scouting note, his long frame and arms don’t just create narrow windows for opposing QBs, but he has the ball skills to pair with his length to be a real threat when the ball is in the air.

Spears was recruited by seven of the Pac-12 schools, including both Washington schools, both Oregon schools, Utah, Cal, and Arizona State. Other Power 5 offers included Maryland and Kansas, with independent BYU also extending an offer. His primary recruiters at Washington were Coach Lake and DB coach Will Harris. UW was Spears’ “dream school”, and a campus visit last January, followed by the announcement of Coach Lake’s promotion to head coach sealed the deal. Oregon and Cal were Spears’ runner ups.