3-Star 2021 Virginia DL/OL Marquise Brunson Louisiana-Monroe Commitment Interview
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
For a defense to successfully run a 3-4 defense, they have to have a nasty nose guard anchoring the middle. And that is what Princess Anne High School had in Marquise Brunson during the 2019 season. The 6-4, 275-pound, defender was putting roller skates on offensive linemen for four quarters owning real estate in 5A Virginia backfields. His strength, conditioning, and athleticism was such, the Cavaliers put their three-star talent in the offensive trenches watching him blow open holes for his running backs while going the 8-3 campaign without giving up a sack.
As news of Brunson’s talents spread through the collegiate ranks, 22 offers were dropped. But, today, the recruiting process stops for Brunson with his announced verbal commitment.
*Click link for previous Marquise Brunson RNG interview
Interview
Marquise, it has been a while. There is so much to catch up on with you. Let’s start with your near pick-six last season. I’m a little late to bring it up, but that was a sweet play. Walk me through it if you will.
(Laughs) Right when it started, I knew I was going to pick it. They barely put their hands on me, and it was third and forever. There were no offensive linemen around me so I knew they were running a screen. I had been through the film sessions, I know they like to run this pick.
So, I retraced my steps. The quarterback is looking at me and he throws it. It is surreal thinking about it now. I put my hands up, jumped, came down with it, and I started taking off. I didn’t have any blockers, the quarterback got me by my shoelaces. My teammates to this day still make fun of me for going down on the 1-yard line by a quarterback. I always tell them, “if I had some blockers, I would have scored.”
Glad I asked about it, I love that story. This offseason what has been your workout program?
Mainly training with my trainer working on my agility and speed. My training is not all lineman based. I was doing skill position drills to be well rounded. With the game changing, I want to be more versatile.
What kind of lifts have you been doing?
My goal was to get more explosive. I’ve been doing power cleans, squat jumps, and a lot of single leg stuff. I have worked on the fast-twitchy muscles and I am doing low reps for strength. My workouts are split about 50-50.
Have you maxed out on bench lately?
Yes. I maxed out on 225 pounds 21 times on bench.
Wow. That’s great.
Thank you.
When you finished up your junior run, what were all the things you were doing well as a defensive lineman playing the nose in the 3-4 set?
I feel like I really became a student of the game. Where the running back was lining up and based on how he was leaning, I knew what was coming. I got used to double-teams and how to shed those backs and not getting pushed back.
And what about on the other side of the ball? What were your strengths as an offensive lineman?
Being a defensive lineman, it is kind of cheating playing on the offensive line. You know what the defensive lineman is thinking. I was quick with my kick step and I have a strong punch, I did not allow a sack all season.
Nice. This offseason what have you worked on with your skills in the defensive trenches?
I have been working on my pass rush, from the outside and from the 3-tech. I have been working on bending around the corner, my speed rushing, and getting up the field as fast as I can. The focus has been more on my technique to add to my tool set, like having a counter for each counter.
And how have you worked to improve your pass-pro and run blocking?
By training with my teammates. I put a cone three steps behind me. I tell them to beat me here, and I will try to stop you. That had me working on the speed rushing from the outside. With my run blocking, I worked on my feet, going on the sled, and staying low. You have to run block from underneath.
This season, besides maybe a staring role at receiver after your near pick-six, where all will we see you lining up?
I am graduating early. I am graduating in January so I will not be play this spring.
Oh wow. As a senior with all that is going on, what is your plan with the recruiting process?
In the beginning I was hopeful for playing in the spring and for the opportunity to get to visit schools. But they kept pushing everything back including visits, but I kept waiting. I am not one to buy a car without seeing it. That was big for me not getting to visit these schools, I really have to put myself out there.
I am about to commit later on today. It has been a long process. The virus has changed everything, but God has a plan for me. I just have to push through.
Oh wow. Okay, how many offers do you have now?
I have 22 offers.
Which programs were the last couple to offer?
Buffalo, NC State, Minnesota, UConn, Georgia Tech, Wisconsin, and Marshall.
Brunson’s Offer Sheet: Bryant, Buffalo, Charlotte, Connecticut, East Carolina, Fordham, Georgia Tech, Liberty, Louisiana-Monroe, Marshall, Maryland, Minnesota, NC State, Northwestern, Old Dominion, Pitt, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Wisconsin
Because you play both sides of the ball so well, are all your offers for defense or are some programs seeing you as an offensive lineman?
Most of them, all of them are for defense. Some coaches were are joking, if an offensive lineman goes down, we will put you in there. I told them I would do it. But most of the offers are as a defensive lineman but I got some interest as an offensive lineman.
Let’s get back to your commitment. When are you planning on announcing?
At 4:30 p.m. ET today.
The big reveal, which program received your commitment?
I am committing to Louisiana-Monroe.
How are you announcing your commitment, are you doing it on Twitter?
Yes, sir.
Does ULM know already?
Yes, sir. They know.
How did you commit to the ULM coaches?
We’ve been talking for a few months and doing online visits and the Zoom meetings. They said we really think you have chance to get good playing time my freshman year. My goal is getting to the league. You need a lot of film to get into the league. A lot of the players going to the Power 5 schools, they ride the bench for the first couple of years. I want to get there, get my body right, and start playing. One of my teammates is going there too. This feels right, this feels like home.
When did you verbally commit to ULM?
Last Friday.
Have you down anything to celebrate your commitment yet?
Not yet. Hopefully I can get some family down and have a little thing. I am hoping we can do that because I am graduating early. After I committed, me and my family hugged it out. My mom was crying, she said, “you are growing up so fast.” It was happy times all the way around.
Ah, it sounds great. I am so happy for you, Marquise. Thank you for taking the time to share your story with us today. Wishing you continued success this offseason preparing for the next part of your journey.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Brunson family; Marquise Brunson
CONGRATS CUZO!!!!!!! Brunson Proud