Interview: 2019 Tennessee RB/LB Marcello Walton is Coming into His Own on Both Sides of the Ball
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
When a high school coach has a truly athletic player on his roster capable of filling multiple roles at a high level of play, said coach is truly blessed. The blessing bestowed upon Mount Juliet head coach Trey Perry with Class of 2019 talent Marcello Walton is only going to get better over time with two years of varsity ball left to play.
Since his freshman season in 2015, Marcello Walton has been a key contributor for the Golden Bears success. The Tennessee squad finished 7-6 in 2015 and showed marked improvement in 2016 running their record to 9-3 against 6A competition. Walton has lined up at running back and linebacker combining for 1,740 yards on the ground with 18 touchdowns while putting an end to 70 plays with seven sacks and an interception.
The role on both sides of the ball for the growing 5-9, 185 pound, talent will only expand as his on the field experience meshes with his physical abilities. All the potential Walton possesses with his growing abilities has captured the early attention of Vanderbilt, Tennessee-Martin, and Middle Tennessee State so far.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Walton covering his sophomore season while gaining insight on his off-season plans and goals.
Interview
Marcello, when did you start working in at the varsity level with Mt. Juliet?
“The summer of my freshman year.”
How did your playing time work out during your freshman season?
“I was rotated in at running back. There were upperclassmen ahead of me but I did start on special teams.”
How did your sophomore year play out in the backfield?
“They rotated us last year. There were three of us that took turns carrying the ball. They rotated us based on how hard we worked in practice that week and on who had the hot hand in the games. I was rotated in heavily during my sophomore year.”
When did you start playing linebacker for Mt. Juliet?
“I started playing linebacker during my freshman year. At first I was playing safety and cornerback during middle school but I gained weight and I got stronger in my maxes. That is when I started playing linebacker.”
Which position do you like best, linebacker or running back?
“I’d say running back. That is where I started playing football. I fell in love with that position first.”
How did your game get better as a running back last year?
“My coaches pushed me and my teammates to get better. We were very competitive in practice and in the weight room. That pushed me to do better and grind harder during the season.”
How would you describe your style as a running back?
“I am flexible and I am a hard runner. I can do anything coaches ask of me. It really depends on the defense we are going up against at that time.”
What are you going to work on during the off-season to prepare for your junior year?
“This off-season I will work on my speed and my blocking ability. I know that is important for college and upper levels of football.”
Will your role change on the field during your junior year? Will you play a different position or take on more responsibilities?
“I’m staying at running back and linebacker. I’ll be at those two positions the rest of my high school career, but I will have a lot more responsibility on me at those positions.”
Which schools are showing interest in you so far?
“I took an unofficial visit to Vanderbilt for the last game of their season against Tennessee (Nov. 26). UT-Martin and MTSU, those are the three schools showing an interest in me right now.”
How did your visit to Vanderbilt go?
“It was good. It was a good experience. I got a tour of the facilities and I got to go onto the field before the game. I spoke with other recruits when I was there. It was a good experience all around. You can see how Vanderbilt has respect for their players and fans.”
Did you take any other visits last year?
“I was supposed to go to MTSU but I was not able to make it because of work and school.”
Do you plan on going to any camps this spring or summer?
“Yes, sir. I plan on attending a MTSU, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt camp. I want to go to some exposure camps too.”
Do you have any upcoming visits planned?
“Yes, sir. As many Junior Day visits as possible.”
What is your cumulative GPA?
“I have a 4.0.”
It is way early for you but do you have any plans to take the ACT or SAT yet?
“Yes, sir. I am taking the ACT this spring.”
Are you competing in any other sports for Mt. Juliet?
“Yes, sir. Last year I did track in the 100 meter (11.62) and the high jump. This year I am playing baseball.
Which positions do you play in baseball?
“Centerfield and shortstop.”
Marcello, thank you for your time today and good luck with your off-season workouts and baseball season.
“Thank you.”
Click the link to see Marcello’s Hudl highlight reel.
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Photo credit: Michael Murphy; No. 28 Marcello Walton takes the handoff.
Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 28 Marcello Walton in the open field.
Photo credit: George Renee; No. 28 Marcello Walton rushes up the middle.