Western Kentucky added some major defensive firepower to the 2023 roster this week as Liberty transfer defensive lineman Khristian Zachary, a former three-star recruiting target, announced that he was officially a Hilltopper on Wednesday morning.
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The 6-foot-3, 290-pound defensive lineman out of Carrollton, GA. sat down with InsideHilltopperSports.com to go in-depth on his recruitment process with the Hilltoppers, revealing what ultimately led to his commitment to Western Kentucky.
Zachary said that Western Kentucky was the second program to offer him in the transfer portal, revealing that the Hilltoppers' coaching staff is what ultimately led to his commitment.
"They were my second offer and the reason why I committed to Western Kentucky was just because the staff was really good. I really had a connection with the staff and I want to be utilized to the best of my abilities to make sacks, make plays and really showcase my talent."
— Khristian Zachary
Zachary said that he connected with WKU assistant coach and defensive line coach Carson Hall, adding that it was a big deal that Coach Hall is from Georgia and has knowledge of standout players from the Peach State.
He said that Coach Hall also informed him about different things he could do to improve and be explosive on the defensive side of the ball next season.
"Coach Carson, with him coming from Georgia, that's really a big deal. He had a lot of knowledge about Jalen Carter and a lot of great players. He was just relaying that information to me. What can he do? Different things I can do to make my game better and different ways I can really go off."
— Khristian Zachary
Zachary said that he took a visit to Western Kentucky last week and was really impressed with the Hilltoppers' strength and conditioning program because their workouts are individualized.
The former three-star recruit said that with the help from the strength and conditioning program, he can build and improve different parts of his body so that he can be impactful on the field.
"I took a visit last week. The strength and conditioning staff, I felt like they were really remarkable. I like how their workouts are individualized because I'll be able to work on different parts of my body and get some improvement."
— Khristian Zachary
Zachary said that he's working to become the greatest to ever do it and believes with Western Kentucky can help him accomplish that goal.
He added that he has the ability to be versatile and can play anywhere defensively and find success.
"I love to work hard and I want to be the greatest to ever do it, and with this defense, I believe I can. I feel like I'm a versatile player, I can play in and I can play defensive tackle."
— Khristian Zachary
The former three-star prospect was additionally ranked 32nd in the state and 22nd in his position.
Zachary said that while he made a difference on the Flames' defense, he really fits in well with the Hilltoppers' defense.
In two seasons at Liberty, Zachary picked up 14 total tackles, including five solo stops, nine assisted takedowns and one sack.
