The Husky Haul
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Washington football lands their second 2021 recruit

By Roman Tomashoff

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 21: Coaches Jimmy Lake (L) and Chris Petersen of the Washington Huskies celebrate with the game trophy after defeating the Boise State Broncos 38-7 in the Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 21, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 21: Coaches Jimmy Lake (L) and Chris Petersen of the Washington Huskies celebrate with the game trophy after defeating the Boise State Broncos 38-7 in the Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 21, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /
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Jimmy Lake has said that he wants to be aggressive in everything Washington football does, especially on the recruiting trail, and it’s starting to pay off

Lake did an amazing job firing up Washington football fans after addressing a packed house when the men’s basketball team took on Oregon a few weeks ago, and Lake has landed his first official commitment, coming from Zakhari Spears, a 6’3 cornerback out of Myles Bryant‘s alma mater, Loyola High School in Los Angeles, California.

Spears is currently rated as a three-star by 247 Sports, but is on the fringe of being a four-star as he’s currently rated 430th overall by 247. With a strong senior season, he’ll probably earn aIf he can add 10-15 pounds to his current frame (listed at 185) he’ll look a lot like current Washington defensive back Keith Taylor.

One of the exciting things about watching Spears on film is that he has the potential to play both safety and cornerback, he’s got great eyes, outstanding size, and is an excellent tackler. He has the versatility, length, and tackling ability that Lake likes to look for in defensive back recruits.

He looks like he’ll be a true outside corner at the next level, and after most likely redshirting and then taking a second year to develop similar to Dominque Hampton’s redshirt freshman season, he has the potential to be a high impact player on the outside for Washington. Lake has made quite a name for himself as a defensive backs coach and getting players to the NFL, and with his oversight along with Will Harris and Terrence Brown to supervise the DBs, Spears has high round NFL Draft potential.

Another important thing about locking up Spears in January is that now he becomes a leader of the 2021 class, and can take ownership of recruiting in California, just like Ethan Garbers, Jalen McMillan, and Mark Redman did for the class of 2020. The importance of the class of 2021 can’t be overstated, especially in California, where five-star wide receiver Troy Franklin seems to be very interested in Washington, four-star athlete Ethan Calvert at Oaks Christian is a very important get, and Mater Dei’s four-star cornerback Jaylin Davies are three very important pieces for Lake to secure.

Getting your foot in the door in California early is very important to success on the recruiting trail, and Lake has done that by getting a big-time player in Spears. Congratulations to Zakhari on his commitment, and we can’t wait to see him suit up in purple and gold!!

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