Interview: 3-Star 2021 Virginia DT/OL Marquise Brunson Covers Recruiting and Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Regardless of the position, being a two-way player is never easy and it is arguably most difficult as an offensive and defensive lineman, especially against 5A Virginia competition. The challenge of moving the line and protecting the pocket while crushing running backs and putting the fear of God into quarterbacks was a series after series occurrence for Class of 2021 talent Marquise Brunson a year ago with Princess Anne High School. What’s scary, Brunson has further dedicated himself to the game over the offseason going through his own two-a-days to beef up, lean out, and condition for the 2019 grind. Additionally, the 6-3, 275-pound, three-star recruit took his talents on the road competing at multiple Big Ten and ACC college camps over the summer. With 10 offers dropped and interest picking up, Brunson’s junior season is of national recruiting curiosity.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I spent some time with one of Virginia’s top linemen getting an update on the start to his junior campaign with insight on his recruiting prospects.
*Click link for April 28, 2019, RNG video interview with Marquise Brunson
Interview
Marquise, before we get into the 2019 season. Let’s catch up. How did your summer workouts go?
“They went excellent. I got faster and I got into shape. I lost fat, leaned out, and added more muscle. I was doing two workouts a day to get right for the season.”
Nice. You were a two-way player last season, where all on the field are you lining up in 2019?
“I will be mostly at defensive tackle and nose guard on defense. In our last game I got some reps at defensive end; that was amazing. On offense, I am playing left tackle this season.”
Which areas of your game did you work on as a defensive lineman over the offseason?
“My main things, I am good pushing back offensive linemen and shedding blocks. I needed to get off faster and make the play quicker. I worked on staying low, worked on my hands – I am always working on that. Shedding blocks has been my main focus.”
What about as an offensive lineman?
“That comes easy to me. It is not as hard for me playing on offense. All the defensive ends are the same, most are smaller than me and not as strong. I work on my foot speed and pass set to go against the quicker ends.”
You are a big guy, and talked about the work put in with the weights. What did you max out at this offseason?
“My bench was 415, I got 515 on deadlift, and my squat was 375.”
Impressive.
“Thank you.”
Did you hit up any college camps this summer?
“Oh yeah. That was amazing. I went to camps at Maryland, Ohio State, Pitt, and North Carolina; all had beautiful campuses.”
Where did you turn in your best camp performance?
“At Ohio State.”
What did you do well at that camp to make it your best?
“Going up there, I was learning from their defensive line coach, Coach Larry Johnson; that was amazing. It was amazing seeing their drills. I was seeing and learning stuff I have never thought of before. That camp has helped me as a defensive lineman. I learned a lot at that camp.”
Two games into the 2019 season, where are you seeing the biggest improvements on defense?
“I am faster off the ball, my jump has been very good. I am better than where I was at the end of last season. I am staying low, I was getting gup high, and now I am staying under people.”
And on offense?
“I am able to kick step faster with the smaller and faster linemen. I am able to catch up with them. I can hold them there and keep the pocket intact with our QB in there.”
With recruiting, which schools are showing interest?
“Clemson, Georgia, Kentucky, Duke, Temple, Wake Forest, Cincinnati, and South Carolina. Recruiting has been amazing for me so far.”
Where is the offer count at now?
“I have 10 offers.”
Brunson’s Offer Sheet: Bryant, Charlotte, East Carolina, Fordham, Liberty, Maryland, Old Dominion, Pitt, Tennessee, Virginia, and Virginia Tech
Separate from the camps, did you visit any schools this summer?
“Yes. I visited Pitt, North Carolina, and Maryland.”
How did the visit with Pitt go for you?
“It was cool. They share their facilities with Steelers. Aaron Donald (DT) had just left. He donates a lot to that school. They have high-end equipment there. It was a cool visit.”
And the UNC, visit? How did that go?
“It was great. I love their colors. I love the baby blue. I think it looks good. They were building two new fields when I was there and they have a lot planned with the program going forward. I am looking forward to going there again.”
I can’t leave out Maryland. How did that go?
“It went well. I saw a practice on a beautiful day. Their field is stunning. I like stuff like that. I really liked the way Maryland looks. My dad was a student-athlete there. It was good to see what he saw, the nostalgia he was experiencing was heart-warming.”
Are there any trips on the schedule for this fall?
“Yes. I am planning on visiting South Carolina next weekend. I may also go to Kentucky, Duke, Temple, and Wake Forest. I have a bunch of offers for visits. There are a lot of schools that I want to see their game day experience, their locker room, and the atmosphere of the school.”
The team rolls across town to First Colonial this week, what kind of game are you expecting from the Patriots (0-3)?
“We are about to watch film on them. I am sure they are hungry for first win; we do not want to give them that.”
Are there some big games coming up on the schedule that you and the Cavaliers are excited to play?
“Yes. Right after First Colonial we get Ocean Lakes. After that we get Kellam which should be another good game.”
What goals have you set for your junior season?
“I want a 10-plus sack season and more tackles for losses than last season earning All-District for my team. And I want to be the first defensive lineman to get the Buffalo Wild Wings Player of the Week.”
Marquise, it was great catching up with you today going over your game and recruiting. Thank you for your time and good luck until we talk next.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Brunson family; Marquise Brunson at Ohio State and Maryland