Interview: 2017 Washington DB Armani Marsh now Focused on Recruiting Process

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

A very productive high school career came to an end on Nov. 4 for Armani Marsh when Gonzaga Prep lost a 37-35 heartbreaker in the playoffs to Chiawana. The frustrating end to his senior season leaves behind a great legacy of winning with a bright future ahead at the collegiate level.

Marsh has been a key player for the Bullpups over the past two seasons helping his Spokane area squad to a 14-0 mark in 2015 and a 7-3 run this year. Along the way Marsh proved to be a versatile piece in the team’s secondary playing cornerback throughout his junior campaign coming up with 30 solo tackles, 12 pass deflections, a forced fumble, and three interceptions.

The 2016 season saw the 5-10, 185 pound, talent move around the field filling in as necessary to be the playmaker the Bullpups needed. After the first game of the season at corner, Marsh moved over to safety and to nickel stopping the run and the deep pass while covering the opposition’s slot receiver. The move showed another dimension to his game upping his stat line to 65 tackles, six tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles, two interceptions, and three pass breakups.

Marsh’s cover skills broaden throughout his senior year while showcasing his ability to stop the run as a hybrid outside linebacker within the Bullpups’ scheme. College recruiters have taken notice with teams like Washington State, Idaho, Northern Colorado, and Eastern Washington showing interest. University of San Diego is the first team to drop an offer.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Marsh at the conclusion of his senior year to get an overview on his season and an update on his recruiting process.

Interview

Armani, where all did you line up this season on defense?

“I started our first game at corner. Our safety got a targeting call in our first game of the season. He was out the next week. That is when I started playing safety. The coaches ended up rotating me at nickel back in the third game. I played some linebacker but was in coverage. We needed help stopping the run. I rotated safety, corner, and nickel throughout the season depending on the teams we played.”

The Bullpups closed out the season against Chiawana on Nov. 4. You’ve had time to look back on the season. How did your senior year go for you personally?

“I thought I had a great senior year. I definitely improved from last year. That was one of my goals this year – be better than last year and work on my weaknesses. I got faster, stronger, and better breaking on the ball. I got better out of my back pedal and faster on my break. I thought I improved on all of those areas this year.”

Which game this season was your best and why?

“I’d say the Central Valley (CV) or Chiawana game. In the CV game we were playing them for our league championship. I felt like – there was a lot of talk before the game. It was our third GSL (Greater Saint Helen’s League) title in a row. It had never been done at our school. I wanted to set the tone for the playoffs. I wanted to make an impact. I made it my job that game to fly around and make plays.”

Who was the toughest guy you had gone up against at the Washington varsity level?

“I would say Hunter Bryant (four-star Washington 2017 tight end commit).”

What made him difficult to cover and how did playing against him make you better in the long run?

“He is a freak of nature. I started out watching a lot of film on him, trying to prepare myself to play him. Throughout the game he made me better. I had never played against someone with that talent, size, and those kind of strengths on the field. I focused on doing my job trying to stop him. He didn’t score but he had 12 catches for a lot of yards. I was not guarding him the whole game. I was on the left side, he switched back and forth. I think I went up against him five or six times and held my own.”

Have you started off-season workouts?

“Yes I have. I started on Monday last week.”

What are the main things you are focusing on with your workouts?

“The main focus is getting stronger in my hips. I want to focus on perfecting my running mechanics to improve my speed. I’m working on my power and explosion, speed and agility work. I’m doing a lot of ladders, L-drill, and all those things to help with footwork and explosion.”

Are you playing any other sports for the Bullpups this winter or spring?

“No.”

Which schools have offered you so far?

“I have an offer from University of San Diego.”

Which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered you yet?

“I have a couple of schools showing interest; Idaho, Northern Colorado, and Cornell. A lot of Big Sky schools are evaluating me for my senior year. University of Northern Colorado and Idaho are the main ones. Washington State and EWU (Eastern Washington) are showing a little bit of interest. While at the camp, Coach Cherokee (Valeria – cornerbacks coach/recruiting coordinator) loved me. I have been in contact with him and Coach (John) Graham (associate head coach) a little bit. We’ll see if I get an offer or not.”

Do you have any visits planned coming up?

“I want to get down to San Diego to check out their school, meet the coaches, and players to get a feel. I haven’t really made plans on visiting Idaho or Northern Colorado yet.”

How is everything going in the classroom?

“My cumulative is a 3.498 but that will go up after this semester. I have straight A’s right now.”

What was your score on the ACT?

“I got a 25.”

Are there any college games coming up you are excited to see?

“I’m going to the Apple Cup. I get free tickets as a recruit through Washington State. I’m really excited to see the game. Should be a good one.”

Armani, thanks for your time today and good luck with your recruiting.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Stephanie Perko; No. 7 Armani Marsh pre-snap.

Photo credit: Keith Currie; No. 7 Armani Marsh on the field.

Photo credit: Stephanie Perko; No. 7 Armani Marsh on the sidelines.