Interview: 2020 DB Allen Marquese Helped Lead San Diego’s Lincoln to State
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The junior season that nickelback/defensive back Allen Marquese-Patmon turned in for Lincoln High School was fantastic and needed. The Hornets played an NFL regular season schedule posting an 11-5 campaign with a march through the Western League, the Division II California ranks, and onto state where they faced Menlo-Atherton. In stats posted in just 11 of the 16 games, the 6-1, 175-pound, talent amassed a stat line of 63 tackles, 45 solo, seven tackles for a loss, four sacks, three QB hurries, three fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and one interception. The Hornets deep run into the postseason coupled with Marquese’s play is turning college football recruiting attention his way.
To learn more about Marquese’s 2018 season, I sat down with the San Diego area product for an in-depth one-on-one covering a lot of ground.
Interview
Allen, the Hornets had a wild season playing all the way to the state championship game taking on Menlo-Atherton. What was the run through the season and the six games in the playoff like for you?
“It was good. I played my heart out and for my brothers. They had my back and I had their backs. I did everything I could for my teammates, and they did that as well for me. We had great team chemistry this year.”
How was your athleticism used within the Hornets defense this season?
“I’m a quick guy. I am quick laterally and quick to read plays, that helped out against the run. Against the pass, I play basketball – guarding someone one-on-one in basketball, I am used to watching the hip. That gives me an advantage in football. I am good at run stop and I am physical quick against the pass.”
During the regular season, how did your overall game come along through the first 10 games?
“Hitting the weight room in the offseason got me stronger. Coach Smith helped me improve my game. Being with my coaches, learning from them, that helped my play during the regular season.”
Going that next step into the playoffs, how did your game bump up to that next level against tough competition?
“In the playoffs, I felt like giving it all for the seniors. We all set a goal to win CIF and go to state and win state. We fell short, but we did complete some of our goals. During the playoffs, I watched film even more than usual. I wanted to know exactly what they were doing. I played with more confidence during the playoffs. After each level, each game, I got more confidence.”
Which game during the playoffs was your best?
“The team I had my best game against in the playoffs was Westview and in the championship game against Mira Mesa. I had 10 tackles against Mesa.”
Now that the season is over, how long of a rest are you giving your body before you get back on the grind?
“I don’t take breaks because of basketball. We are in season for basketball now. And, I am doing my workouts daily for football. I am focused on getting better for next year.”
What all will you work on with your game this spring?
“Strength and speed.”
Are you playing 7v7 ball this spring, if so, with which team?
“I am playing with Dream Chasers.”
Nice. With recruiting, which schools are showing interest in you?
“Montana State, Eastern Washington, Idaho, and Cal-Poly.”
Have you had a chance to visit any schools yet?
“Yes. I have taken visits to Montana, EWU, and to Idaho to watch a practice.”
How did EWU go?
“It was nice. I went up for a camp and then toured the school.”
What about Montana State, how did that go?
“I was up there for a padded camp. The day before the camp me and three of my teammates toured the campus and saw their facilities.”
Last question. It is a tough one. Do you have a favorite holiday movie you watch this time of year to get you into the spirit of the season?
(Laughs) “Yes. “The Grinch” with Jim Carrey.”
Allen, thanks for your time today and good luck with your basketball season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Patmon family; Allen Marquese-Patmon