Interview: 2020 Michigan DT Marcus Eason Talks Move to California and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The old football adage that defense travels works as a bonus for Rancho Mirage High School. The Rattlers are getting a big boost to their defense, and possibly to their offense, with the transfer of Marcus Eason. The Class of 2020 lineman was a key cog in Belleville High School’s 11-1 season making a semifinal run in the playoffs finishing the No. 6 ranked team in Michigan (MaxPreps). Eason brings a load of talent and experience to his new squad, something college coaches across the country are checking out.
Eason was highly productive in the Tigers 3-4 during his junior campaign coming up with an estimated stat line of 62 solo stops, 24 tackles for a loss, and three sacks. The 6-1, 295-pound, line mover snagged first team All-State and All-Conference honors for his play along with an offer from West Georgia and Mississippi State. Interest is growing among SEC and Big Ten schools with Pac-12 and Mountain West programs now getting a better chance to see him in action.
In an RNG exclusive, fresh off his move from Michigan to California, I sat down with Eason to learn more about his style of play, recruiting, and upcoming camp schedule.
Interview
Marcus, the Tigers had a big season going 11-1 with a run to the semifinal round of the playoffs. What was the run through the playoffs like for you going up against top competition?
“Preparing against my guys was probably the bigger challenge. We had a lot of great linemen on our team. We had guys like Devontae Dobbs, he was a 5-star (Michigan State). Going into the playoffs, it was not an eye opener going against top guys after doing it all summer and all year in practice.”
You played defensive tackle and some nose guard in the Tigers 3-4, how did your game evolve on the field in 2018 playing that role?
“We ran the same defense with the IE (Inland Empire) Ducks when I was in eighth grade. The defense was nothing new to me. My game improved with my get off, that got faster, and my hands got better. Over the summer I worked on that every day. My game got better splitting double-teams, I was not that good at it my sophomore year.”
Which game was your best last season and why do you consider that one to be your top performance?
“Our first home game against Churchill, that was a new team for me. It was a great experience; all my family from Detroit was there. That game signified a new beginning for me.”
What do you feel are the strengths to your game right now?
“My power at the point of attack, my hands, and my get off – it is hard for offensive linemen to get to me because of my speed. I am a big guy and I can move. My aggression is another strength.”
You transferred to Rancho Mirage this offseason, how has the transfer gone?
“It has gone well. I had to leave Belleville because my uncle changed his work schedule, so I had to move. I am just trying to continue my grind and keep my same work schedule. I had a 3.3 GPA at Bellville, I have kept my grades rolling through the transfer. Nothing has gone off track with the move.”
Which position(s) will you be playing during your senior season?
“I will be playing defensive tackle. The coaches might play me some at offensive guard. I played guard my sophomore year; that will be nothing new to me. I am more of a defensive tackle being on the shorter side.”
What are you working on this spring?
“I am working on my get off, I can always improve on that, my hands, my point of attack, and my eye-hand coordination. I want to clean all of that up for camps and for next season.”
Are you going to any camps this offseason?
“I am planning on going to a Fresno State camp on June 8, Alabama State this summer, Boise State, and a Washington State camp. I may go to a Georgia and Texas A&M camp as well.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest?
“Texas A&M, Georgia, Michigan State, Florida State, Auburn has shown a little bit of interest, Kentucky, Oregon, and Illinois.”
Have you received any offers yet?
“Yes. I have received an offer from West Georgia and a verbal offer from Mississippi State after a camp.”
Which schools have you visited so far?
“I have visited Alabama State, Georgia, and Morehouse College. I also visited Fresno State on April 13 and I have been to the University of San Diego.”
How did the Fresno State visit go?
“It went really well. That was one of the best visits I have been on so far. Brian Clay, their director of recruiting, he showed out that day. I really like Fresno State.”
What about Georgia, how did that go?
“It went pretty well. The coaching staff was similar to Fresno. There were a lot of guys there during the visit, I only spoke with a couple of coaches.”
And Alabama State, how did that visit go?
“It was a really-really successful visit. They were showing a lot of interest. They were happy I was there. I saw the Black and Gold game and talked to the coaches.”
Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“Yes. I am planning on visiting Kentucky, Michigan State, and Fresno State again.”
Marcus, I appreciate your time today and wish you success with the rest of your offseason workouts and with your upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Eason family; Marcus Eason at Fresno State