Interview: 3-Star 2022 California LB Marshon Oxley Updates Workout and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Another tough season is ahead for teams in California’s Pioneer League with Inglewood restocking the talent shelves. Last season the Sentinels balled out to a 12-1 record behind a defense that threw five shutouts and held the opposition to one score or less four other times. One of the standouts getting it done on the field was Class of 2022 outside linebacker Marshon Oxley.
Oxley was the speed demon off the Sentinels’ edge in their 4-4 set. In stats collected through eight games, their 6-3, 215-pound, outside linebacker dropped 57 ball carriers with 11 tackles for a loss, and eight sacks while forcing two fumbles. Rewarding Oxley for his efforts have been six scholarship offers along with three-star recruiting status.
With California’s 2020 season set to begin in January, Oxley took time away from his workouts to update us on his recruiting and expanding defensive roles.
Interview
Marshon, watching game film on you and the Sentinels from last season, it looks like you guys were doing something different up front. What scheme were you guys executing and what were your responsibilities within it?
I was outside, with the main priority to outside contain. Our coaches had us in a 4-4, I played some end and outside linebacker.
Your speed off the snap on the edge was too much for Pioneer League offensive tackles. Aside from that burst getting around the edge, what were some of the other aspects to your game that made you so tough to defend?
My mindset and my strength. I remain focused throughout the game with the right mindset. My mindset is I can beat him with my speed and strength. I studies my opponents so I knew what they were going to do before the play began.
When the 2019 season ended, what did you feel were your strengths as an outside linebacker then?
My strongest part was my speed. I was faster than the guys blocking me. As soon as the ball was hiked, I was at the quarterback. This offseason I have been working out and getting my body right. Now, I am getting where I need to be. I know I will be better this year than last year.
Since the end of your sophomore run, what have you been working on with your game?
I have been working more on my strength, more on weightlifting, speed, and working on my covering. Playing 7v7 has helped with that. I have been working on all my stuff, and working to not being just a one position player.
Going with that. What roles are you taking on this upcoming season?
I will be on defense and special teams. They may put me at tight end. I am staying at outside linebacker/end on defense.
Are you guys running the same defensive set this season?
Yes, we are running a 4-4.
You’ve mentioned lifting weights a couple of times already. Going into more detail, how have you added weight and muscle to your frame this offseason?
Doing a lot of power cleans, hang cleans, and 400 pushups throughout the week Monday through Friday. I have been working on my core, doing squats, and I have been running here and there.
Have you maxed out at all this offseason?
Yes, my bench is 315 and my hang cleans 225.
When the season kicks off in January, what are you wanting to showcase after this extended layoff?
I want to show that I am stronger than what I was over last year. Last year was my first year playing varsity. I was still adapting and I still had my freshman ways, but now I feel I am fully ready for varsity. I want to show people that I am stronger, smarter, and better at covering.
Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
Fresno State, they’ve been texting, San Diego State, and Northwestern recently asked for transcripts and so did Stanford.
How many offers have been given to you?
Six.
Oxley’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Michigan State, San Jose State, and UNLV
Which team was the first to offer you?
Colorado.
Which programs that have offered are reaching out with more frequency?
Arizona, Colorado, and Kansas.
Next year, once the dead period is over, which schools might you go visit?
I’d like to see USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Arizona State.
Marshon, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you continued success preparing for the upcoming season.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Oxley family; Marshon Oxley