Penn State got a huge commitment when Zachary Gleason committed to them. Gleason is a highly touted athlete and defensive back in the 2027 class. This is a match made between Gleason and Penn State.

Zachary Gleason of Central Catholic High School is a versatile 2027 prospect who brings value on both sides of the ball, particularly as a competitive cornerback in the secondary. At 5’11”, 165 pounds, Gleason shows a lean, athletic frame with room to continue developing physically. His experience at wide receiver translates well to defensive back, as he tracks the ball naturally and anticipates route concepts. In coverage, he displays quick feet and fluid hips, allowing him to mirror receivers effectively in space. He competes hard at the catch point and understands how to position himself to disrupt passing lanes. Gleason’s offensive background also gives him an edge in reading stems and recognizing timing patterns. He shows willingness in run support and plays with noticeable effort snap after snap. With continued strength development and refinement in technique, Gleason projects as a well-rounded defensive back with strong upside in the 2027 class.

Central Catholic has no shortage of star power on defense, but Gleason has been one of the biggest standouts in the secondary. He’s one of the most technically sound corners in the class, calm in his pedal, sharp with his reads, and disciplined in how he positions himself against routes. Gleason thrives in zone coverage, reading quarterbacks’ eyes and anticipating throws, but he’s just as confident in man-to-man, where his speed and quickness allow him to run stride for stride. On a defense with multiple high-level recruits, Gleason’s ability to lock down his side makes him a name you’ll keep hearing about.

Zachary Gleason had a strong season playing as a cornerback for PCC last year. He is a ball hawk at the cornerback position. His ability to read the play and then show the speed to make a play on the ball is special. On several plays from his film, you saw him jump on the ball thrown in his direction, and he intercepted it. He also showed good coverage skills in both zone and man-to-man defense. Gleason is the total package as a cornerback.

I’ve already written on Zachary Gleason, but I decided to watch again and once again he left me blown away. Gleason does everything almost textbook. When he’s in press coverage he patiently waits before jamming, in a split second he already has a plan on how to shut down WRs. The second play of Gleasons sophomore tape is my favorite play out of any DB i’ve watched. Starts off in press coverage, diagnoses for a split second, then jams the WR gets him off his landmark, forcing the opposing QB to make a pass where Gleason is able to knock it down. It’s plays like these that allow Gleason to hold 13 offers to his name with the almost guaranteed possibility of earning more in these next 2 seasons. 

Zachary Gleason is a difference maker at cornerback. His coverage skills are excellent, as he is good in zone or man-to-man. In both coverages, he does a good job of getting his hands on the ball and either intercepting it or knocking it down. He also does a nice job of tackling in the open field. He will fly up and make tackles against bigger players and bring them down on the ground. He also showed some film as a nickelback. Gleason recently picked up an offer from Rutgers, which is a great 1st step in his recruiting.

Zachary Gleason is one of the best players I’ve watched, period. When he’s in press coverage, he’s physical, doesn’t miss his strike, and plays with a violent mentality. In off coverage he’s refined showing off some quick and oily hips. He’s a ball hawk, an athletic one. You can see him in the first play of his highlight reel guarding 2 plays at once and securing an interception. While Gleason holds multiple offers, he has yet to earn stars per 24/7. Gleason is one of the best players in his class.

6’0, 165 pounds. Currently holds offers out of CalU, Akron, and Pitt, who was in attendance against North Allegheny. The former Chartiers Valley prospect is thriving as a true boundary corner aligning outside the numbers for Central Catholic.

A quiet night for a corner is a compliment. I’d describe his performance against North Allegheny as quiet, as the young man was hardly targeted, while looking confident in off coverage all night. Gleason’s sophomore tape starts off hot, two interceptions flashing to the flat, Gleason showing off both his awareness of the football, as well as his ability to diagnose passing concepts on the go. The rest of Gleason’s reps on tape showcase his prowess as a fearless run stopper. He’s 160 pounds soaking wet, yet has no problem flashing to ball, breaking down, and knifing at the lower half of ball carriers. Xxavier Thomas Xxavier Thomas 5'10" | 165 lbs | DB Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2025 State PA fills a multi-faceted role for the Vikings, where Gleason is looked at as a primary shutdown corner who can hold down his matchup each rep. You can make the case that the addition of Gleason has alleviated much of the pressure loading up on Thomas’s shoulders. Quite the addition.

California University came through Pittsburgh Central Catholic and made sure to offer all of their underclassmen talent, Zachary Gleason included. Pitt and Akron were first to extend scholarship opportunities to Gleason, the top-20 prospect now broadening his pallet with an offer from CalU.

I express a similar sentiment with Gleason as I do Kalis. I believe Kalis to be a national recruit with no limit to his recruitment. I’m not sure if Gleason is there just yet, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see a Big10 school offer him before the season ends. We’ll see if I’m right.