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Why Notre Dame football is again the focus for cornerback Mark Zackery
TL;DR
Cornerback Mark Zackery is once again focusing on Notre Dame football as he prepares for the upcoming season. His commitment to the team highlights his dedication and the importance of the program in his career.
Why Notre Dame football is again the focus for cornerback Mark Zackery
Defensive tackle Tionne Gray, center, warms up before a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive back Joey O'Brien during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman Armel Mukam during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman Francis Brewu during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Tight end Jack Larsen (85) during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive back Luke Talich (28) during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Running back Nolan James Jr. during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Wide receiver Elijah Burress (17) during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive back Jayden Sanders (12) during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive back Joey O'Brien during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Wide receiver Kayden Finley during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman Francis Brewu (7) during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Linebacker Kahanu Kia during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive tackle Tionne Gray during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman Joe Reiff during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive line coach Charlie Partridge during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman Elijah Golden during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman Cole Mullins during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman Davion Dixon during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman C. Burgess Jr. during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman Elijah Hughes during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive back Luke Talich during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive back Ethan Long during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman Rodney Dunham during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman Elijah Golden during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive tackle Tionne Gray during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Linebackers run a drill during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Linebacker Ko'o Kia during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Linebacker Teddy Rezac during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman Thomas Davis Jr. during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman Davion Dixon during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Linebacker Drayk Bowen during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Linebacker Jaiden Ausberry during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Linebacker Madden Faraimo during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Linebacker Ko'o Kia during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Safeties coach Jevaughn Codlin, center, during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive back Ethan Long during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive back Mark Zackery IV during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Head coach Marcus Freeman, right, speaks to a group of players during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive back Christian Gray during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman Armel Mukam during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive tackle Tionne Gray, center, warms up before a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive tackle Tionne Gray, center, warms up before a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive back Joey O'Brien during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive lineman Armel Mukam during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive lineman Francis Brewu during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Tight end Jack Larsen (85) during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive back Luke Talich (28) during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Running back Nolan James Jr. during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Wide receiver Elijah Burress (17) during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive back Jayden Sanders (12) during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive back Joey O'Brien during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Wide receiver Kayden Finley during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive lineman Francis Brewu (7) during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Linebacker Kahanu Kia during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive tackle Tionne Gray during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive lineman Joe Reiff during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive line coach Charlie Partridge during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive lineman Elijah Golden during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive lineman Cole Mullins during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive lineman Davion Dixon during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive lineman C. Burgess Jr. during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive lineman Elijah Hughes during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive back Luke Talich during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive back Ethan Long during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive lineman Rodney Dunham during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive lineman Elijah Golden during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive tackle Tionne Gray during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Linebackers run a drill during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Linebacker Ko'o Kia during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Linebacker Teddy Rezac during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive lineman Thomas Davis Jr. during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive lineman Davion Dixon during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Linebacker Drayk Bowen during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Linebacker Jaiden Ausberry during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Linebacker Madden Faraimo during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Linebacker Ko'o Kia during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Safeties coach Jevaughn Codlin, center, during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive back Ethan Long during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive back Mark Zackery IV during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Head coach Marcus Freeman, right, speaks to a group of players during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive back Christian Gray during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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See photos from Notre Dame football April 8 practice
Defensive lineman Armel Mukam during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
SOUTH BEND â If it was going to end for Notre Dame football cornerback turned Notre Dame basketball point guard Mark Zackery, it was fitting that it ended against thatAtlantic Coast Conference team in that building.
In December, with more athletic time on his hands than anticipated, and with the Irish basketball team down starting point guard Markus Burton for the rest of the season following surgery on a broken left ankle, Zackery became the first Irish football player since 2003-04 (tight end turned power forward John Carlson) to play for the basketball team.
Irish head coach Micah Shrewsberry liked the potential for Zackery to help. He was long and athletic. He could defend and make a shot. He looked the part. Having recruited Indianapolis for the likes of Jalen Haralson, Logan Imes and Brady Koehler, Shrewsberry often watched Zackery play point guard and play it well for Ben Davis High School.
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When Notre Dame needed to bolster its guard depth, Shrewsberry called on Zackery. For the first time since his junior year of high school (his senior season was derailed by a left thumb injury), Zackery was a basketball player. In Notre Dameâs conference opener in late December, Zackery made his college basketball debut on the same campus (Stanford) where his freshman football season ended.
Days later, Zackery scored his first career basket at Cal. His only career basket. He played 20 minutes over four games in the time he was on the Irish basketball team.
âIt was a great experience,â Zackery said.
One he knew would end before the season ended. Shrewsberry knew it too. So did his basketball teammates. Zackery is at Notre Dame to play football, and when football winter conditioning revved up in January, he felt the pull to trade in his sneakers and shorts for cleats and a helmet and return across the street from Rolfs Hall to the Irish Athletics Center.
"I want that kid to have a great (football) career at Notre Dame, not helping me,â Shrewsberry said at that time. âI'm not selfish about this."
âIt was a personal choice for me to get back to football and focus,â said Zackery, who made 10 tackles in 11 games with three starts at cornerback as a true freshman. âWe have the (football) group that we have, I want to contribute any way possible.â
A second-string corner this spring, Zackery left behind basketball after playing one final game on January 21 at North Carolina. In a 91-69 loss, Zackery played a career-high 6:29. He didnât score that night in front of 19,686 at the Smith Center, though he didnât mind.
There was Zackery, a Duke basketball fan growing up, playing against his favorite teamâs rival on its home floor.
âMy last game at North Carolina was a great feeling,â Zackery said. âTo have that feeling my last game was on North Carolinaâs floor was pretty special.â
That North Carolina game was on Wednesday. By Saturday, Zackeryâs name was gone from the on-line basketball roster. He was back at football. For the first few days, even the first few weeks, he felt like a basketball player doing football stuff. Thatâs one reason he left basketball when he did.
âMy weight was one of the main things; basketball was kind of holding me back from that standpoint,â said the 5-foot-10, 184-pound Zackery, who has gained 15 pounds since the start of his freshman year. âIâm feeling way better, way stronger, way faster.â
The football to basketball double play (might as well throw in a baseball reference while weâre at it) was a one-time deal for Zackery. He doesnât plan to revisit it, in part, because he doesnât plan to be football free again in December.
âEverything just worked out,â Zackery said. âThis (football) team is going to be in the playoffs and (basketball) wonât be happening anymore. I just hope we get to that point and I wonât have to play basketball.â
Follow South Bend Tribune and NDInsider columnist Tom Noie on X (formerly Twitter): @tnoieNDI. Contact Noie at tnoie@sbtinfo.com
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Notre Dame football > Notre Dame basketball for one Irish sophomore
Q&A
What is Mark Zackery's role in Notre Dame football?
Mark Zackery plays as a cornerback for Notre Dame football, focusing on enhancing the team's defensive capabilities.
Why is Mark Zackery focusing on Notre Dame football again?
Mark Zackery is refocusing on Notre Dame football as he prepares for the upcoming season, indicating his commitment to the program.
When did Mark Zackery rejoin the Notre Dame football team?
The article does not specify an exact date for when Mark Zackery rejoined the Notre Dame football team, but it highlights his renewed focus for the upcoming season.
What impact does Mark Zackery have on Notre Dame's defense?
As a cornerback, Mark Zackery is expected to significantly contribute to Notre Dame's defensive strategies and performance during the season.