Zakai Murphy
Zakai Murphy
About Zakai
Expert Analysis
Earnest Daniels | Prep Redzone Scout
Zakai Murphy
Zakai
Murphy
6'0" | 170 lbs | WR
Don Bosco Prep | 2027
State
NJ
stepped up in a big way for Don Bosco. While
Isaiah Alvarez
Isaiah
Alvarez
6'0" | 150 lbs | WR/ATH
Don Bosco Prep | 2027
State
NJ
usually provides the explosive plays, Murphy became the go-to target in this championship matchup. He burned St. Joe’s blitz with a 40-yard touchdown, then kept drives alive by consistently winning underneath.
Murphy showed physicality after the catch, breaking tackles and using strong contact balance to pick up extra yards. He finished with 5 receptions, 72 yards, and a touchdown, proving he can separate downfield and bully defenders after the catch.
Bosco retakes the lead on the first play of the 2nd quarter.@carsonschoen7 finds @Zakai4Murphy down the middle for a 40-yard score.
Bosco 14
Joe’s 7
11:53 2nd quarter@DBP_Football | @IronmenAthletic | #njfootball pic.twitter.com/RRIxvg4HcM— donovan hugel (@donohugel) November 29, 2025
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Read EvaluationBrendan Mankarious | Prep Redzone Scout
Don Bosco rosters a young, varsity slot receiver by the name of
Zakai Murphy
Zakai
Murphy
6'0" | 170 lbs | WR
Don Bosco Prep | 2027
State
NJ
. Seeing solid burn his sophomore season, Murphy separates over the middle against slot corners and safeties alike. I thought Murphy had very good route depth in order to create space for himself. An athlete, Murphy uses his hands to catch the ball and extends his arms to deliver the ball to himself ASAP. Good ball skills are on display too, as we see him track the ball over his shoulder well. Surprisingly, I thought that film showed Murphy’s size advantage over many second-level defenders. Murphy is a more-than-solid player who seems to have mastered the intermediate game at a young age.
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Read EvaluationBrendan Mankarious | Prep Redzone Scout
Zakai Murphy
Zakai
Murphy
6'0" | 170 lbs | WR
Don Bosco Prep | 2027
State
NJ
seems to have found a home as the slot receiver. Murphy possesses speed and quickness that enables him to separate from slot corners and safeties alike. I thought that he ran very good routes that allowed for the creation of space from him and his opponents. Not necessarily something all slots do well, yet Murphy tracks the ball over his shoulders very nicely;
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Read EvaluationEarnest Daniels | Prep Redzone Scout
Zakai Murphy, hailing from Don Bosco, emerges as a standout receiver in the 2027 class, boasting a robust combination of physicality and versatility. At 6′ and 170 pounds, Murphy’s frame provides him with the resilience needed to excel in contested situations, making him a formidable threat when the ball is in his hands. His proficiency extends beyond typical receiving duties, showcasing his adaptability by also contributing in the running back position.
Zakai Murphy
Zakai
Murphy
6'0" | 170 lbs | WR
Don Bosco Prep | 2027
State
NJ
‘s strength is evident, with a knack for breaking tackles and gaining yards after the catch. However, the next phase of his development lies in refining his route running and consistently creating separation from defenders. These aspects, once polished, have the potential to transform him into a well-rounded receiver, capable of making a significant impact on the Don Bosco offense.As he embarks on the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Murphy to observe the evolution of his game. The anticipation revolves around witnessing how he refines his route tree and establishes a more consistent ability to create space. If these facets align with his already impressive skill set,
Zakai Murphy
Zakai
Murphy
6'0" | 170 lbs | WR
Don Bosco Prep | 2027
State
NJ
could indeed live up to the superlative of having the most upside in the 2027 wide receiver class. Don Bosco fans and football enthusiasts alike will be eagerly awaiting the unfolding chapters of Murphy’s promising journey on the field.
Zakai holds one offer from Boston College.
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Read EvaluationAlan Popadines | Prep Redzone Scout
Good looking wide receiver/defensive back that plays both positions at a very high level. Considering what he already looks like, it will be scary to see what he develops into with weight room and speed work at one of the best football programs in the state.
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Read EvaluationAlan Popadines | Prep Redzone Scout
The MVP of the wide receiver position group at the NJ/NY PRZ Next Rising Prospect Camp went to Murphy after a stellar performance. Could tell he was different from the moment he walked into the bubble. Was in the discussion for Defensive Back MVP of the camp as well, as a Safety. He’ll be at Don Bosco Prep in New Jersey.
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Read EvaluationCaleb Holfoth | Prep Redzone Scout
There were a ton of really talented receivers at camp but the top guy was
Zakai Murphy
Zakai
Murphy
6'0" | 170 lbs | WR
Don Bosco Prep | 2027
State
NJ
. Really advanced route runner and really solid hands there was a lot to like about Murphy. Murphy had some really nice releases against press and even had a few reps at DB where his athleticism was showcased. Murphy was consistently winning his reps and comes away as the top WR.
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Read EvaluationAlan Popadines | Prep Redzone Scout
– Big play threat on the outside as a wide receiver, ankle-breaker in the punt return and kick return game and can play some free safety if needed
– A wide receiver I wish I had seen earlier in the year based off his highlight film. Just an exciting kid that can take screens the distance or take the top off a defense on a deep ball
– Is headed to Don Bosco Prep in fall, as part of a super impressive 2027 incoming class for the Ironmen. Has already started to see recruiting begin a bit, as he visited Penn State in late March
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