Interview: 2019 Arkansas TE/WR Marcus Whitaker Continuing Matchup Nightmares for Defenses

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Marcus Whitaker is that freak athlete who can seemingly do just about anything on the field. The West Memphis High School standout is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses capable of making any defensive back look bad lining up on the outside while creating problems for linebackers coming off the line at tight end. The 6-4, 225-pound, under the radar talent is as good as any but has not received as much digital ink as others thus far. All of that is sure to change, and quickly, after a showcase performance at the Nike Opening Regional in Dallas on Sunday.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized catch-up interview, I got a little time in with Whitaker at the Nike Regional getting an update on his offseason workouts and recruiting interests.

Interview

Marcus, how are your offseason workouts coming along?

“They are going great.”

Where are you seeing the biggest gains in your improvement this spring?

“I am getting stronger. I am working on my hands and reacting to the ball faster turning my head around coming out of my cut. I am putting in a lot of extra work after our school workouts with my coach to improve my overall game.”

When does West Memphis start spring ball?

“We started last week.”

How do the Blue Devils look in practice?

“We look good. We are working on everything. We just got back into pads. We’re coming along as a team.”

What will be your personal focus throughout spring practices?

“I am focused on competing and getting better.”

Where all will we see you on the field during your senior year?

“I will be at receiver and tight end, but I will also be our punter.”

Punter? Really?

“Yeah. I can put some spin on it.”

On average, how far are you punting it?

“I am at 45-plus yards.”

If you keep that up, you might be recruited as a punter as well.

“I wouldn’t mind being a punter in college. I have a strong leg.”

I got to see you perform at the Dallas Nike Regional, how did the camp go for you?

“It went well. It was not as difficult as I thought it would be. I thought all the players would be hyped but a lot of guys seemed kind of timid.”

What did you do well that set you apart from others during the one-on-ones?

“My routes. I feel they were better than the other tight ends. I caught the ball well; they could not find an answer for me out there.”

Which colleges have come by school to meet with you or see you in action this spring?

“A lot – Tulane came on Tuesday, Memphis, Northwestern State, Louisville, Louisiana-Monroe, Arkansas. Texas State supposed to be at our spring game coming up.”

Are there any other schools you did not just list that are showing interest?

“SIU (Southern Illinois), Missouri, and UConn (Connecticut).”

Which schools have offered you?

“Tulane and Northwestern State.”

Which schools have you visited?

“Arkansas, SEMO (Southeast Missouri), Arkansas State, and Memphis.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“I am supposed to go to Tulane at the end of the month and in June.”

What about upcoming college camps? Are you eyeing any?

“Right now, I am planning on attending camps at Texas State, Tulane, Memphis, a satellite camp at War Memorial and one at OBU (Ouachita Baptist).”

When you’ve talked to the various coaches, what are the college coaches telling you they like about your game?

“They like my size, my ability to catch the ball, and my playmaking skills after catching the ball. They all say I am a playmaker.”

Marcus, thanks for your time today and good luck in your spring game.

“Thank you.”

*Click link for Marcus Whitaker’s 2017 Hudl highlight reel

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Marcus Whitaker at the Dallas Nike Regional