Zakari Epps
Zakari Epps
About Zakari
Expert Analysis
Oliver West | Prep Redzone Scout
Winona has themselves a heckuva verified speedster in 2026 DB Zakari Epps Zakari Epps 6'1" | 180 lbs | DB Winona | 2026 State MN , who also happens to be one of the darkhorse prospects of the Big Board with the best chance to make a significant jump in the state rankings. Epps had a heckuva 2024 outdoor track season, going 11.17, 11.22, and 11.24 in the 100M last spring, as well as two 22.84 200M times, a 19’7 Long Jump, and a 41’4.75″ Triple Jump for good measure. That is some serious juice on the track, and the 507 product took a gameday visit to MSU-Moorhead this fall to get himself on college radars early. NDSU has also sent a host of recruiting graphics.
Epps is one of the few juniors in Minnesota to have returned a kick for a TD in 2024, spotlighting his explosiveness in a 90-yard KOR against St. Croix Lutheran in which the 2026er blows by the first wave of coverage defenders, cuts left, and out runs three different pursuers up his team’s sideline for an exciting display of athleticism. Epps nearly took another kickoff back against Byron, and he totaled 6 returns for 207 yards and a TD in 2024, as well as a 45-yard punt return against Rochester Century. The burst, contact balance, vision, and top-end speed, along with the willingness to lower his shoulders and run behind his pads with physicality, prove him to be a lethal weapon with the ball in his hands. Epps is also a CB who can defend the edge with proper leverage and without losing contain, can shed blocks on the perimeter, and stick his head in the run game to make 1v1 tackles against sprinting ball carriers. He’s physical and thrives in run defense. The film leaves a little bit to be desired, especially in the coverage department, but the combination of physicality mixed with outstanding explosiveness and returning prowess is a fun combination that could really be taken advantage of by a collegiate program. Could be a big offseason for the 507 standout once track and the summer camp szn roll around.
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Read EvaluationOliver West | Prep Redzone Scout
Sticking with the 507 speedsters, Winona’s 2026 DB Zakari Epps will certainly see a rankings bump due to his standout, still-ongoing sophomore outdoor season. Epps has been flying around so far, PRing with an 11.17 100M early this season and adding a 22.84 200M for good measure. Those are some seriously noteworthy times for his age and an excellent building block in his still-developing athletic profile, so make sure you keep your eyes open for him in an upcoming 2026 micro-update as a “Top Stock Riser.”
A varsity contributor for Winona in 2023, Epps got defensive reps as well as a ton of special teams action, and he proved himself to be physically up to the task of varsity ball, sticking his head into contact in run support and kickoff coverage. This definitely adds a new and exciting wrinkle to his game. Keep up the great work, young man!
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Read EvaluationZack Patraw | Prep Redzone Scout
Epps is a versatile and dynamic player who has showcased his skills across multiple roles for Winona. His ability to contribute on kick coverage and returns and playing safety or corner on defense showcases his willingness to contribute in any way possible for his team. He stands out for his quickness and athleticism, which allow him to excel anywhere on the field. His agility is a major part of his game, allowing him to explode downhill to meet the ball carrier, make plays with the ball in his hands, or break on a receiver to contest a catch. Epps understands when to come downhill and deliver strong hits, wrapping up and securing tackles. This awareness of when to be assertive and make impactful plays emphasizes his football instincts. His quick reactions and physicality make him a reliable asset in stopping ball carriers, holding them to minimal yardage. Size is a notable positive for Epps, fitting well with his current stage of development. Combining that with his athleticism provides him with a well-rounded physical profile for various positions on the field. His 4.6-second 40-yard dash time is a testament to his speed, giving him the necessary burst to cover ground quickly and turn a normal play into an impactful one.
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