If you’re the type of person who loves a good come back story (who isn’t?), look no further. Chris Mackey is a rising senior out of Dallas, GA.
His previous season was cut short after only two games due to an ACL tear. He was kind enough to answer the following questions centered around his love for the game and his future plans as he prepares for his final high school season.
Meeting Alabama Head Football Coach Nick Saban
AL: What is your place of birth, high school, position, height and weight?
CM: I was born in Dallas, Georgia. I’m 6’1″ 178 pounds. I play strong safety and quarterback for North Paulding High School. I have lettered each year in my high school career although I have yet to be a starter. But that time will come with work and patience.
AL: Do you have any stats or combine results that make you stand out?
CM: I run a 4.8 40, and have a 26 inch vertical. I ran a 5.3 shuttle, I benched 210 and squatted 315 (Coming off an ACL tear, these numbers will only improve).
AL: What is your favorite part of playing football?
CM: The brotherhood and excitement of being under the lights in front of thousands of people.
AL: Who do you model your game after?
CM: Well when I was a quarterback I tried everything I could (in order) to be like Matt Ryan and watched him inch-by-inch on his mechanics. And (for) safety, I’d said Haha Clinton-Dix .
AL: What are your three dream colleges (in any order)?
CM: Alabama, Georgia Southern and North Carolina.
AL: Have you heard from any schools? Any offers?
CM: No offers yet, although I have gained a lot of interest from Cornell, Faulker University, Mercer, Berry, Georgia Southern, Middle Tennesee State and my biggest visits thus far are Georgia Southern, Oklahoma and Middle Tennesee State. I enjoyed them so much!
AL: What part of your game are you trying to improve?
CM: My footwork and speed mostly.
AL: Do you play any other sports?
Chris Mackey visiting Oklahoma this summer
CM: I also play basketball for our varsity team .
AL: What is your most memorable moment thus far in your high school football career?
CM: (That) would definitely be our run to the final four my sophomore year in which we had to overcome the top seed and #1 defense in the state in Stephenson.We knocked them off 35-7 before losing to (the) state champ Creekside.
AL: How are you enjoying the recruiting process?
CM: I am enjoying the recruiting process although I would love to be able to pick up that first offer. But the work will not stop!
AL: Tell us about your recent visits. How did it feel to get a behind-the-scenes look for big-time college football teams?
CM: My recent visits have been to Georgia Southern & The University of Alabama and I fell in love with both campuses.
AL: Which coach have you found the most interesting?
CM: The most interesting coach I have been around would definitely be coach Nick Saban. That man knows how to build championship teams and really knows how to inspire kids to pursue their dreams.
AL: What are your goals for this fall?
CM: My goal this fall is to improve as a player on and off the field and become a leader with my actions.
