Interview: 3-Star 2021 LB Marco Avant Talks Aggies Visit and Previews Bulldogs Trip

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

All high school football teams need that versatile guy in the box who can thump against the run and fly against the pass. For Forrest City, that guy is Class of 2021 linebacker Marco Avant. Avant (6-2, 205) worked his way to 5A East All-Conference honors as a sophomore lining up 67 tackles, with six tackles for a loss, four sacks, two picks, forced three fumbles and broke up a pass in an effort to try to get the Mustangs into the playoffs. The Arkansas squad that took lumps a year ago are passing them out this season with a 4-2 record led by Avant’s 48 tackles, six tackles for a loss, and two quarterback hurries in stats posted through four games.

That play has brought upon offers from Campbell, Memphis, Southern Miss, Texas Southern, and Tulane for Avant. Interest is picking up throughout the region aided by visits to in-state power Arkansas, Memphis, and a weekend jaunt down to College Station to see the Aggies take on No. 1 Alabama. For insight on the season and the visit, I sat down for a catch-up briefing with Avant.

*Click link for Sept. 4, 2019, RNG interview with Marco Avant

Interview

Marco, the Mustangs are having a great season and just got a big 42-41 win over Batesville. How did the team look in the win?

“The team looked great. The team showed they can fight through adversity.”

What is the team doing well overall that will help push deep into the playoffs?

“We keep fighting. We never lay down when our backs are against the ropes.”

Which game this season has been your best and why do you consider that to be your top performance?

“I’d say my best game was against Star City, I had 16 tackles.”

That is a big game. How are the coaches utilizing your skills on defense this season?

“They are using me at inside and outside linebacker. I’m staying in the box containing and going against the run a lot.”

Where are you showing the biggest improvements in your game?

“The improvements I am showing is with my backside tackling, reading my keys better, and I am better this season with my tackling.”

You have the five offers; which schools are showing interest?

“Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Penn State, and Cal.”

Have you visited any schools recently?

“Yes. I have visited Memphis, Texas A&M, and Arkansas.”

Going in order. How was the Memphis trip?

“It was good. I got to meet the coaches. I had a meeting with them. We talked about life and football.”

The Texas A&M visit was this weekend for the Alabama game. That had to be really exciting.

“It was amazing. The crowd was electrifying. The coaches made you feel at home; they all knew who I was. They took me into the locker room after the game.”

Who all did you get to talk to while visiting the Aggies?

“Coach Jimbo Fisher (head coach), their linebacker coach, Coach (Bradley) Peveto, and Giannis Antetokounmpo was there (Milwaukee Bucks – NBA).”

Fresh off the visit, what was a lasting impression from the trip to College Station?

“The stadium. The crowd – I could feel it in my body when they were cheering and screaming.”

And the Arkansas visit, how did that go?

“It went well. They feed us, we went on the field for warmups, and we watched the game.”

Are there any more trips planned?

“Next week I am going to Mississippi State.”

Another fun visit. What has you excited about going to Starkville?

“The matchup against (No. 2) LSU. I know it will be a great matchup.”

Last question. You guys get Paragould (0-6). What kind of game are you expecting from the Rams?

“I expect them to play hard, they always play hard. But we should win.”

Marco, great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and hope the Mississippi State visit is a great one for you.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Avant family; Marco Avant at Texas A&M and Arkansas