Interview: Big FBS Offers Looming for 2017 Arkansas LB Marvin Moody
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
If recruits and fans thought the football recruiting rush has been hectic thus far, just wait until the dead period is over in January. The frenzy will be on with teams making tough last minute decisions on who to extend offers to in hopes of landing a letter of intent on National Signing Day while recruits will have to make an even more difficult decision trying to figure out which school is the right fit for them going forward.
One player with a lot of options but with some more opportunities that may come his way is Class of 2017 linebacker Marvin Moody.
There is really nothing left for Moody to do or prove at the high school level. Going up against the toughest competition in Arkansas’ 7A classification, Moody had a standout junior season racking up 63 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, three sacks, four pass break ups, a fumble recovery, and two forced fumbles leading Bryant High School to a 9-2 record. Moody followed that season up with a first team All-State performance in 2016 leading his team with 120 tackles. Of the 120 stops, 99 were solo. In addition to flying all over the field stopping ball carriers, Moody also had 14 tackles for a loss, a sack, three passes broken up, a fumble recovery, two picks, and a blocked punt adding two defensive scores for Bryant. Moody’s leadership and big plays helped the Hornets to a 9-4 season in 2016 with a run to the state semifinal round.
At least six offers have come from regional programs but at least one Power Five Conference school may drop an offer on the 6-3, 210 pound, backer in the New Year. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Moody wrapping up his senior campaign while getting a recruiting update.
Interview
Marvin, the Hornets had a great season making a deep run into the playoffs. How did the season go overall?
“I think it went well overall. We should have won a state championship but it did not go our way.”
*Bryant beat Springdale (45-14) and Har-Ber (23-16) before losing in the semifinal to North Little Rock (46-13).
How was your play in the playoffs?
“I did well in our first playoff game. That was an easy game. I had two picks. In the second game, our team was nervous but we pulled it out. North Little Rock was strong and fast. I think I did real well but just did not win the game.”
How did you step your game up during the playoffs?
“I watched even more film. I locked in even more. I worked on certain things after practice to make sure I was ready.”
How many offers do you have right now?
“I have six offers.”
Which teams have offered you?
“Tulane offered me before the playoffs starter. UCA (Central Arkansas), Missouri State, Arkansas Tech, Ouachita Baptist, and Harding have all offered.”
Which schools were showing the most interest in you before the dead period?
“Tulane, UCA, and Missouri State.”
Which official visits are you going to take in January?
“I’m going to Tulane on Jan. 13, then to UCA, and then Missouri State.”
What has you excited about visiting Tulane?
“That will be my first time in New Orleans, I am excited about that. I’m ready to check out the environment and talk to the defensive coaches and to the players. I want to find out how they feel about Tulane.”
What about your visit to UCA?
“My main reason to go to UCA is to talk to the players some more. I talk to their coaches often. I want to see how the players feel about UCA.”
Same question but about Missouri State?
“There is one guy I want to talk to there. They had an All-American linebacker, Dillon Cole.”
Are there any teams that might give you an offer after the break?
“I’m still waiting on my call from Arkansas. They said they would call me after New Year’s.”
How have your off-season workouts been going?
“I have been playing basketball and doing football workouts twice a week.”
How is basketball going?
“It is going real good so far. We are 9-1.”
Are there any bowl games you are excited about?
“Arkansas’ bowl game. I think that will be a tough game for them.”
Marvin, thanks for your time today. Good luck with recruiting and your basketball season.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: hudl.com; Marvin Moody pre-snap (2016).
Photo credit: bryantdaily.com; No. 16 Marvin Moody forces a pitch.