Interview: Colorado Developing One of Nation’s Best in 2022 QB Nicco Marchiol
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When putting game tape to overwhelming stats, Class of 2022 quarterback Nicco Marchiol adds up to the real deal. The standout sophomore has been going at it against 5A Colorado defenses for two seasons upping the ante each time out with dividends paid in the win-loss column.
No matter how talented and regardless of the potential, putting a freshman on the field against varsity competition can be a dicey proposition. For Regis Jesuit, Marchiol (6-2, 211) stepped up a year ago proving he belong as a freshman throwing for 1,651 yards off 130 completions with 16 touchdowns and posted one rushing score. This season has seen the emergence of a top-flight field general with Marchiol connecting for 2,134 yards with 21 touchdowns while completing 65 percent of his pass attempts. As his passing game improves, so does his ability to run the ball. After 64 rush yards in 2018, he has pushed the ball downfield 268 yards with an eye-popping 11 additional touchdowns lighting up the Raiders’ board.
As Marchiol fills up the stat sheet, the production has not been in vain. The team closed the year out 7-5 in 2018 but have torn through the competition this season posting a 10-0 campaign thus far. Marchiol has caught the eye of college football coaches across the country earning 10 scholarship offers and four-star recruiting status along the way.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the nation’s best in the 2022 class to learn more about his game and recruiting process.
Interview
Nicco, the Raiders have been an offensive machine this season putting up 36 a game. What are the strengths of the team on that side of the ball this year?
“My running back David Dody and I, we have a close relationship. We have known each other since before high school. We are leaders on offense. We look to bring our teammates up when needed and for them to be the best that we all can be. We have offensive linemen like Greyson Stovall and Alexander Burns who bring a lot of juice and energy to practice every day. That is what we need late in the season and that is what we want to achieve our goal of winning a state championship.”
The coaching staff may not ask you to run often, but when you do you can scoot. How has that part of your game improved this season?
“I got after it this summer working with the speed portion of my game, and focusing on my running as well. Most people see me as a pro-style quarterback who is not comfortable outside the pocket. But as the season has gone on, I keep making plays outside the pocket showing what I can do. I am showing coaches that I can he deliver the ball downfield while scrambling keeping my head up looking for the open receiver.”
Another thing I like watching in your arsenal of talents is your release. You have a quick release and it is coming out hot. Is that natural for you or something you have worked on over time?
“It is something I have rep-ed over and over since I was a little kid. I have worked on keeping the ball high and staying on top. I have worked on giving my receivers the best chance to make plays. It has happened over time. I am always working to perfect my craft. I focus on having a quick release and getting the ball out as fast as I can.”
Your stat line took a big jump up this season. The skills are there but I’d like to attribute some of that to your mental approach to the game. How has your understanding of the offense and the opposition’s defense grown in 2019?
“My knowledge had grown tremendously this summer after going to college camps this summer and talking about the game with college coaches; it has been a blessing. Reading defenses, growing up in a football family we talk about that stuff all the time. We talk about being one step ahead, countering what the defense is doing and making plays against different schemes. I have worked on realizing coverages, knowing personnel, and where to take my shots. I have also worked on throwing people open, predicting where my guy will be and throwing to a spot with my feet in the best position to deliver the ball accurately.”
Regardless of the opponent, how are you preparing during the week for a game?
“Every week we go in with the same mentality, this is another team trying to stop us from our goal of a state championship. We don’t overlook any team. We prepare well during the week and make it happen on Friday night.”
Putting it all together, where have you shown the biggest gains in your talents this season?
“My arm strength and decision-making skills have increased a lot this season. My ability to make mature throws has grown. My decision-making skills and knowing my limitations as well has been a big part of the season.”
Which has been your best personal game performance?
“Our first game of the season against Pomona (won 23-13) was my best so far. I played with so much confidence, not that I haven’t in other games, but knowing they are a good team and I needed to make plays for us to win, and having a good week of practice; that was a big help. We put it all together to make it happen.”
How many offers have you received so far?
“Ten.”
Marchiol’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Charlotte, Colorado, Colorado State, Florida Atlantic, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Utah, and Washington State
Which schools are showing interest?
“Penn State, Auburn, and Wisconsin are showing interest.”
This fall, have you taken any game day visits?
“Yes, sir. I was at Michigan for the Army game; it is always fun in Ann Harbor. I went to Pullman for the Washington State game against Colorado, I went to Utah for their game against Washington State in Salt Lake City, South Bend for Notre Dame’s game against Virginia Tech, and I went to Clemson for their game against Florida State.”
Wow. You have seen a lot of great college football action this season. If you will, tell me about the Clemson visit?
“It was a lot of fun. I went with my mom and dad. The staff at Clemson was as nice as they could be to us. All the recruits were treated like royalty. It was cool to be a part of that. Coach (Dabo) Swinney (HC) was talking to us about the family atmosphere at Clemson. It is really special there.”
And the Michigan visit?
“My family and I love it in Ann harbor. Our family has ties with Shea Patterson (QB) and their family. We think highly of their staff and Coach (Jim) Harbaugh (HC), Coach (Ben) McDaniels (QB), and Coach (Josh) Gattis (OC). I really like what they have done with their offense, I think I can fit that role well.”
The last one I will ask about. How did the visit to Pullman go?
“Washington State was a lot of fun. I like the town of Pullman and the strong sense of family there. The players are stars in that town and everyone looks to you. Being with Coach (Mike) Leach (HC) would be unreal. His history and knowledge of the game is amazing. He puts quarterbacks in the league like none other.”
Are there any planned visits ahead?
“We plan on going back at Michigan and Washington State at some point. But I want to focus on the rest of the season and be there with my teammates these upcoming weeks.”
Understood. Back to you and your teammates. The Raiders have had two weeks to prepare for Highlands Ranch (5-6). What are you expecting from the Falcons defense on Friday?
“I feel like they will blitz me a lot and come at me with stunts. I am confident in my offensive line and do not feel like that will be a factor. I trust my receivers over their DBs. I know my guys will make plays. It will be a fun one.”
What does the team need to do overall to finish undefeated with a new trophy for the case?
“We have to keep our heads down, and not focus on any outside noise. My teammates handle success well. We will keep our heads down and focus on a championship.”
Nicco, thanks for your time today and good luck throughout the playoffs.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Marchiol family; Nicco Marchiol