Interview: Bryant 2017 LB Marvin Moody making Case for one of the Best in Arkansas

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Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

For many, the 2016 high school football season is at the midway point of the schedule. All of the pre-season chatter and hype has given way to hard work and production on the field seeing the ill prepared wilt away under the pressure. One player carrying over his junior season success and summer workouts to high senior year achievements is linebacker Marvin Moody.

Moody has been a part of a tough Bryant squad ending the 2015 campaign with a 9-2 record before meeting Fayetteville High School, the eventual state champs, in the playoffs. Moody posted an impressive stat line during his junior year with 63 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, three sacks, four passes broken up, one fumble recovery, and two forced fumbles.

Bryant has started the year 3-2 with their 6-3, 210 pound, defensive standout filling up the stat sheet once again notching a 22-tackle game against Catholic High School. Moody’s stat line to date: 51 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks, a quarterback hurry, four passes broken up, and one touchdown scored off a punt he blocked.

The headline worthy play has attracted a lot of regional college coaches with offers coming in from Arkansas Tech, Ouachita Baptist, and Harding. Moody secured an offer from Central Arkansas committing to the Bears early in the 2016 season. Division-I schools are showing various levels of interest with teams like Arkansas, Memphis, and Arkansas State all taking notice.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Moody before the Hornets showdown against Central to get his thoughts on his play in 2016 and a recruiting news update.

Interview

Marvin, what are some of your key strengths at the linebacker position?

“I think I’m good at pass coverage. I can cover the smaller and speed guys who are athletic. I can get in the zone and cover receivers. I am good at my reads. It is hard for me to not look in the backfield. I’m good at running down the ball. I do a good job at staying home for the quarterback on reverses.”

What are you working to improve upon as the season goes along?

“I’d say my run defense, hitting the hole harder, and getting my reads down even better.”

This off-season did you max out in the weight room?

“Yes, sir. My bench was 285, squat 430, and my clean was 245.”

What was the best 40-yard dash you posted this summer?

“My best was a 4.58 at a UCA (Central Arkansas) camp.”

What is your game preparation each week?

“I watch film. I watch my guy, the end or tackle, to get some tips on him what he likes to do. I watch the running backs and receivers. Then I play the game in my mind going over if this happens what I should do.”

You had a 22 tackle game against Catholic High with a punt block for a touchdown, is that your best high school football game you played to date?

“Stats wise, yes. We were blown out by Fayetteville (43-10) but I had a good game against them. My first varsity game last year against Benton I had 12 tackles. That was a good game for me personally.”

Who is the toughest guy you have gone up against so far at the varsity level?

“I’d have to say… Taylor Powell (2017 quarterback committed to Wake Forest) from Fayetteville. I respect his game. He is smart, throws the ball on a dime, and is a great player.”

In the 7A Central, you guys still have some big games left on the schedule. Are there any teams you are a little more excited to play than the others?

“Yes, Cabot. They have a real good quarterback (Jarrod Barnes, committed to Arkansas). I’m excited to play against him.”

Are you happy with your personal performance on the field so far this year?

“I’m okay with it, but I know I can get better.”

How is the team looking closing out the regular season?

“We are very young and inexperienced but we are working hard. We have a whole new coaching staff too but everything is starting to fall into place.”

Switching over to recruiting. Which schools have offered you so far?

“I have offers from UCA, Arkansas Tech, OBU, and Harding. I committed to UCA early in our season.”

Which schools have shown recruiting interest in you?

“Arkansas, Memphis, Missouri State, Southeast Missouri, and Arkansas State.”

Have you taken any visits so far this season, unofficial or official?

“I’ve been to two Arkansas games, I went to one last weekend, and I’ve been on an unofficial to UCA.”

How did the Arkansas trip go?

“It was fun. I liked it. They treat me well.”

Are you helping UCA recruit any players to join you in Conway?

“I’ve been talking to one guy, McClellan’s running back Pierre Strong.”

Do you play any other sports for Bryant?

“Basketball.”

What is your overall GPA?

“I have a 3.2.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet, and if so what did you score?

“I scored a 20 on the ACT but I am taking it again in two weeks.”

There are a bunch of great college games this weekend, are there any games you are excited to watch?

“I’m going to Fayetteville for the Arkansas/Alabama game. I’m going to watch that one in person.”

Marvin, enjoy yourself at the game and good luck with the rest of your season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: bryantdaily.com; No. 18 Marvin Moody gets another tackle.

Photo credit: bryantdaily.com; No. 18 Marvin Moody pressures a quarterback.

Photo credit: bryantdaily.com; No. 18 Marvin Moody brings down a running back.