2017 Tennessee WR Marcus DeValut Jr Talks Commitment to Tusculum College
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
The 2016 campaign for Gallatin High School was a year to remember. The Green Wave scratched and clawed their way to a 6-5 record making the 5A Tennessee playoffs. Granted the goal of a state title win was not captured but the squad buckled down and got to work making a big turnaround from 2015 when they finished 3-7. One of the senior leaders on the Green Wave helping the program to a winning season was Marcus DeVault Jr.
DeVault was that all-around athlete for head coach Mark Williams filling in on defense as needed coming up with three interceptions taking two back for a score. One of the interceptions, a 100-yard pick-six, was called back because of a penalty negating an amazing play, but still showed his overall athleticism on the gridiron. On special teams the 5-10, 180 pound, speedster returned nine kickoffs for 119 yards and took back four punts for 39 yards giving his squad better field position.
The spot were DeVault really shinned was on offense. The Green Wave had a big senior season from running back Jordan Mason seeing him roll over the opposition for 2,048 yards, but DeVault took eight handoffs covering 53 yards with one score helping ease Mason’s workload. The role that got DeVault college attention was as a wide receiver. DeVault was second on the team with 15 receptions good for 294 yards, a 19.4 yard per catch average, with another five trips to the end zone. All the work on the field earned DeVault All-Region and All-County honors.
On Saturday, February 04, 2017, DeVault narrowed down his list of college options verbally committing to Tusculum College. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with DeVault after his announcement getting the inside scoop on how the Pioneers picked up his commitment.
Interview
Marcus, congratulations on your commitment to Tusculum College.
“Thank you.”
Which schools were showing the most interest in you leading up to National Signing Day?
“Cumberland, Carson Newman, Lindsey Wilson, and of course Tusculum.”
Which schools extended offers to you?
“All of them; Cumberland, Carson Newman, Lindsey Wilson, and Tusculum.”
Which schools did you officially visit?
“All of them.”
When did you visit Tusculum?
“On Jan. 28.”
What all did you do during your official visit?
“I toured the Tusculum campus and all of their facilities. After that I met all the players and toured the locker room and training room.”
What influenced you to commit to Tusculum?
“The atmosphere there. The relationship that the players and coaches have stood out the most to me.”
How did the commitment take place?
“I called Tusculum’s head coach, Coach (Jerry) Odom. I told the wide receiver coach, Coach (Kerry) Webb, that I was committing first.”
You announced your decision today but when did was your commit date?
“Today.”
Wow. It is all still very fresh. What was the reaction of the coaches?
“They were happy that I choose them. They really liked me as a receiver and they like how they can get me the ball to be a playmaker for them. They were really happy.”
How will they use you in their scheme?
“I think they will use me all over. They will move me around on the inside and outside to try to get me the ball in open space and so I can make moves.”
How did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed?
“I was excited. It has been a long process. A lot of relief now that it is over. I am finally committed and knowing where I am going. I am happy to be done with it all.”
What has been the most memorable part of the recruiting process for you?
“The ups and downs of the whole process, it can tear some people down. You have to keep faith in yourself. My parents told me to keep faith through it all and it will work out. It is a stressful process for everyone.”
Have you signed your letter of intent yet?
“No, sir. I will do that at school one day this week.”
Are you doing anything to celebrate your commitment tonight?
“I’ll probably celebrate with my family by going out to eat. We have not decided yet.”
I know you are a big track athlete as well. Will you run track again this year?
“Yes, sir.”
Which events?
“The 4×1, opening 100, and 4×2.”
Last question, did the coaches give you anything to work on during the off-season?
“They have not sent me any of that stuff yet. They will send it all to me next week.”
Marcus, congratulations on your commitment and good luck at Tusculum.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: DeVault family; Marcus DeVault at Tusculum.