Interview: 4-Star Tennessee LB Martavius French Updates Recruiting Ahead of Ole Miss Visit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Every season the state of Tennessee produces elite high school football players molding their craft until they get to the collegiate ranks. To stand out in the crowd at the highest levels speaks volumes. The volume coming of Class of 2020 linebacker Martavius French is deafening.
The featured attraction for Whitehaven High School’s defense in 2018 was French and his talents in the box, against the pass, and as an edge rusher when called upon. The 6-3, 235-pound, playmaker racked up 125 stops, at least eight tackles for a loss, two sacks, with two picks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in partial stats released from his junior campaign. The results of his work aided in a 6A run for the Tigers (11-4) to the state title game, a four-star recruiting ranking along with postseason honors of All-Conference, first team All-State, and 6A Regional Defensive Player of the Year.
That sound coming off the hype French is generating with each pop of the helmet and the pads has created sound waves to some 21 college programs in the form of offers being dropped. The list of 21 has already been narrowed down to eight with a Top 4 expected to be announced in two weeks.
For an overview on French’s play on the field and his recruiting process, I sat down for an in-depth one-on-one interview with one of the nation’s top 2020 linebackers.
Interview
Martavius, you were all over the field for Whitehaven last season picking up 6A Region Defensive Player of the Year honors. What were you doing so well on the field allowing you to be so productive?
“I was letting the game come to me. I was patient on the field and did what I do best, play my game. I just went out there and balled.”
It looks like the Tigers give offenses multiple looks, especially depending on the opponent. You spent time on the inside and outside. As an inside backer, how do you feel your game improved in 2018?
“I know I was getting lower with my pad level. I picked up speed over the summer and explosiveness. I worked hard to get my body better over the summer in 2018.”
What about on the outside doing a little edge rushing and with your coverage?
“That goes back to middle school when I played some defensive end. I can go inside and outside in any defense we run. Outside linebacker, I like it but I do like inside linebacker more. At outside linebacker, you are not getting the full perspective. I like playing outside linebacker, but I think inside linebacker is better for me.”
Which areas of your game are most important to you to work on this offseason?
“I want to improve my footwork, explosiveness, and speed.”
Have you been to any national camps this offseason?
“Yes, sir. I went to the Under Armour All-American Camp (New Orleans) and to an Adidas Three-Stripe Camp.”
How did the Under Armour camp go?
“I had a good time playing with some of the best in the region. It was fun competition. There were players just like me there, not just guys not from Memphis I am used to going against.”
What did you do well at the camp?
“I went through the drills easily. I did well in the one-on-ones, two-on-three – it was easy for me. I do it every day in practice anyway. I had fun at that camp.”
With recruiting, which schools are showing interest?
“I am receiving interest from UCLA and Alabama.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have 21 offers.”
Wow. Which were the last couple of schools to drop an offer?
“Louisville, West Virginia, and Kentucky.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits lately?
“Yes, sir. I have visited Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and LSU.”
How did the Ole Miss visit go?
“It was nice. I go there a lot, it is close to me. They show me love every time I go there. I am going down there again this weekend.”
Nice. What about Mississippi State, how did that visit go?
“It went well. I had a great relationship with former linebacker coach before he left. I talk to head coach Joe Moorhead and their new linebacker coach, Coach (Chris) Marve, every day.”
And the LSU visit, how did that go?
“I talked to Coach O (Ed Orgeron – head coach) and Coach (Dave) Aranda. Aranda introduced me to Devin White (All-American LB). Devin and I talked a lot. He is going to try to come to Memphis to work out with us someday soon.”
That would be amazing to work out with Devin. When you talk to various college coaches, what are they telling you they see as the strengths to your game?
“Coaches like my physicality, my hitting, and my run stopping abilities.”
As you get closer to your senior year, which aspects of recruiting become most important to you as you start to think about all your options for the next level?
“I want to go to a school where I feel comfortable and to a place where I can compete for playing time. Really, I am looking for a place I know I can fit in.”
Have you started thinking about a commitment date?
“Yes, sir. July 23, my birthday.”
Have you put out a top schools list?
“Yes, sir. I put one out in February, a Top 8.”
Which schools are in your Top 8?
“Oklahoma, Tennessee, Purdue, Ole Miss, Arkansas, LSU, Florida, and Mississippi State (no order).”
Are you going to drop another top program list narrowing it down anytime soon?
“Yes, sir. I have a Top 4 coming soon. I plan on announcing it in two weeks.”
Martavius, it was great learning more about you and your talents on the field today. I appreciate your time.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: French family; Martavius French at Ole Miss and Under Armour Camp