Zahki McLaine
About Zahki
Expert Analysis
Alan Popadines | Prep Redzone Scout
First saw McLaine dominating as a sixth-grader playing against eighth-graders, and he hasn’t let up since. Size may evened out, but his ability to get after the ball carrier has not.
Access all of Prep Redzone
Subscribe to read about this player
Read EvaluationAlan Popadines | Prep Redzone Scout
– First got eyes on McLaine in December of 2022 at AYF Nationals, when, as a seventh-grader, he was absolutely dominating against older competition. Fittingly enough, Penn State extended a verbal offer before he’s even started high school
– Left the Philly youth football scene this year for a run with the Maryland Heat organization, one of the top travel ball teams in the country
– He’s off to the defending PIAA 5A State Champions, Imhotep for high school. Right now he’s a bit of a tweener–somewhere between Outside Linebacker and Defensive End. Regardless, McLaine is one that stuffs the state sheet with TFLs
Access all of Prep Redzone
Subscribe to read about this player
Read EvaluationAlan Popadines | Prep Redzone Scout
Pretty rocked up for just being a seventh-grader this school year. In fact, he was the lone 2028 prospect that caught my eye on the West Philly 13U team down at AYF Nationals. Had to check with him twice to make sure I heard correctly that he was only a 2028 prospect. Quick and aggressive off the edge as a Defensive End, but looks to me more like a very active Linebacker going forward. Listed at 5-foot-11 right now, but not sure if he’s exactly that tall; Obviously, don’t know how tall he’ll eventually stretch out to be, but he does have an older brother that plays basketball and is listed at 6-foot-2. As is the case with nearly all 2028 prospects, it’ll be a waiting game, but he certainly a good build and some potential.
Access all of Prep Redzone
Subscribe to read about this player
Read EvaluationPlayer Claimed
