Interview: 2020 Colorado SR Marvin London is Flying Under the Radar Despite 1,200-Yard Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
One would think being one of the top receiving threats in the nation, and tops in Colorado, during the 2018 season would bring a flood of attention to said player’s way. But, despite pulling in some 73 passes covering 1,236 yards with seven touchdowns and rushing seven times for 75 yards while lining up in the slot, Marvin London Jr. remains one of the more prolific players in the 2020 class who is flying under the radar. The accolades rolled in for London after helping his Pueblo East High School squad finish the 2018 season with an 11-3 record, ranked No. 11 in-state (MaxPreps), and a run to the 3A state title game. In addition to leading the state in receiving yards, he earned Colorado Receiver of the Year, 2020 Player of the Year, Most Improved Player (Team), and first team All-League. If that is not enough, the 5-9, 165-pound, speedster also carries a 3.8 cumulative GPA.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the top players in Colorado’s 2020 class to learn about his skills and summer college camp circuit.
Interview
Marvin, you had such a fantastic 2018 season. Did you have an idea you would tear apart the competition the way that you did entering the schedule?
“I was always ready to play. I was hungry to play. I did not get to play my entire sophomore year. I went into my sophomore year knowing I had to earn my playing time in practice. The competition in practice, and the little playing time I got when I was a sophomore, I knew that would propel me into the 2018 season. I knew Luc (Andrada) could put the ball on me at any time. My coaches prepared me for the chances I received. I was ready to play, and I had the confidence in myself. I was playing every down like it was my last.”
Your moves to shake off defenders is such a big part of your game, what are some of the other things you do so well on the field?
“I feel my route running is one of my strongest points. I try to make each route look the same planting and getting up the field. Not a lot of receivers like to block, I feel like that is another big point of mine. My dad and coaches have always been in my ear, if you want the running backs and offensive linemen to block for you, you should block for them. I put that same effort into my blocking.
Being a leader on and off the field. If I treat my players right, they will treat me right. If I give more of myself, they will give of themselves. When I give to my coach in the offseason, they will give to me in the season and trust me more.”
Which game was your best last season and why do you consider that one to be your top performance?
“I feel like my best game had to be either the first game of the season (Roosevelt) or the last in the championship game (Palmer Ridge). I had three touchdowns and 100-plus yards. That was one of my best. I knew there was still work to be done with my game. The championship game was one of my top performances as well. I had around 100 yards and I threw for a touchdown – I gave everything in that game. In the state championship game, you give even more. That was my best blocking, catching, and leadership game – that was my best all-around game.”
Was there a game in 2018 where you were challenged by a defensive back or a team secondary?
“The Palmer Ridge game, the first time we played them. They double me in that game, but I still had 75-plus yards. Kain (Medrano) went off scoring in that game. Then they moved the safety to his side. I was able to get us into scoring position throughout the game.”
How did that challenge make you a better receiver?
“The reason it made me better, this year I feel more teams are going to double me like they did Kain because of the season I had last year. Even in the championship game I was doubled. That will open up other receivers and open up our running game. Me getting doubled helps the team. It will help me going against press coverage – coaches want to see that. That’ll help me showcase my skills off the press verses zone coverage.”
What does a 1,200-yard receiver work on in the offseason to prepare for his senior year?
“This offseason I have been practicing a lot on speed, breakaway speed, my cuts, my route running and making every route look the same. If I am running a curl, I want it to look like a fade. Same with a comeback. The little things – my steps, no false steps, coming hard off the line – coming off press coverage, getting the rock off of sweeps, catching in traffic, catching on defenders, blocking better, and footwork. There is a lot that goes into the offseason.”
You were primarily in the slot last season, where all might we see you on the field in 2019?
“This year I could play some at corner, some at running back, you might see me at outside receiver, and they might use me Buckeye Back in the Pistol look. They will put me in the right positions. I will do my best and dominate on every play.”
Are you going to any camps this summer?
“This summer I am going to Wyoming, Yale, Southern University’s mega-camp, New Mexico, Kansas, Duke, and UNC (Northern Colorado).”
Which schools are showing interest in you?
“I am receiving interest from Wyoming, Yale, Southern University (Baton Rouge), Davidson, UNC, and CSUP (Pueblo).”
Have you taken any visits this offseason?
“Yes. I have taken visits to UNLV, Dixie State, Wyoming, and UNC.”
Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“Yes. I am going on a visit to Yale, Duke and to Kansas.”
Working on your speed this offseason, did you compete in track?
“Yes.”
Which events?
“The 4×100, 200, and 100.”
Which was the best event for you this season?
“We went to state in the 4×100.”
Nice. Marvin, I appreciate your time today and wish you success with the upcoming camps and visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: London family; Marvin London Jr. at Wyoming and UNLV