SILVER CITY, NM – Western New Mexico University football junior Zakkarii Black (Sacramento, CA/Charter Oak High School) has been named the Lone Star Conference Special Teams Player of the Week following his performance in the Mustangs' 48-41 road victory over Sul Ross State on Saturday.

Black, a Sacramento, California, native, delivered a game-changing play in the Battle for the Golden Tumbleweed, returning a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown late in the third quarter to help Western New Mexico secure its second consecutive victory over Sul Ross State.

With just 17 seconds remaining in the third quarter, Black answered a Sul Ross State touchdown that had cut the Mustangs' lead to 34-27. His 90-yard kickoff return immediately shifted momentum back in favor of Western New Mexico, providing a crucial response as the Mustangs went on to secure the seven-point victory and retain the Golden Tumbleweed.

The explosive return placed Black among a select group of conference players, as he became just the fifth player in the Lone Star Conference this season to return a kickoff for a touchdown.
Black also joined Western Oregon's Tony McAdoo as the only two players in the conference this season to score touchdowns in three different ways: rushing, receiving and kickoff returns. His versatility has made him a valuable contributor to the Mustangs' offense and special teams throughout the 2026 campaign.

Through seven games, Black has recorded 10 receptions for 233 yards and three receiving touchdowns while adding 56 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. He has also contributed in the return game, totaling 215 kickoff return yards on 10 attempts, highlighted by his 90-yard touchdown against Sul Ross State.

Earlier this season, Black recorded a season-high 110 receiving yards on four receptions against New Mexico Highlands. He followed that performance with another standout showing against Eastern New Mexico on Oct. 10, hauling in four receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown, including a season-long 69-yard reception. He also added a rushing touchdown in the Mustangs' 61-55 Homecoming victory over the Greyhounds.

Black's ability to produce explosive plays in multiple phases of the game has provided Western New Mexico with a versatile offensive weapon and a threat in the return game. His latest performance against Sul Ross State further demonstrated his impact, as his special teams touchdown helped the Mustangs maintain control in a tightly contested rivalry matchup.

The weekly recognition adds another highlight to Black's junior campaign and marks another individual conference honor for Western New Mexico football during the 2026 season.  
Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (X, TikTok & Instagram).