Interview: Speedy 2019 WDE Marquez Casey Owns Real Estate in Opposition’s Backfield
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The high school football world may not be aware of Marquez Casey, yet, but opposing Arkansas 6A East offensive coordinators, quarterbacks, running backs, and tackles are well-aware. The speedy 6-3, 232-pound, defensive end owned land in every other backfield he went against during the 2017 season coming up with 105 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 11 tackles for a loss, 13 QB hurries, two forced fumbles, and blocked a field goal for Jacksonville High School. Now the recruiting trail is starting to take notice.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the more overlooked defenders in the Natural State gaining insight on his junior campaign and budding recruiting prospects.
Interview
Marquez, after a 100-tackle season in 2017, what do you do in 2018 as your encore?
(Laughs) “I plan on bigger and better things. I’m always trying to get better and push my stats higher.”
Which parts of your game were working during your junior season allowing you to be so productive?
“I worked a lot on my fundamentals in the offseason and throughout the year. I had to be more open minded about making plays, not being single-track minded about getting to the quarterback.”
Do you have a favorite move on passing downs?
“My favorite move is the swim move.”
Which game was your best in 2017?
“My personal best was against Pine Bluff.”
What did you do well against Pine Bluff?
“I like going against the best. I feel like they were the best. I compared myself to them, I felt like I was the better one.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“This offseason I am working on gaining weight and being quicker off the ball.”
Are you working on any new moves this spring?
“I am working on the spin move.”
Where all might you line up on the field during your senior year?
“They have me playing more tight end this season. I am also working on dropping back into coverage more this year.”
Have you attended any camps this spring?
“I attended the Arkansas prospect camp.”
Do you have plans for college camps this summer?
“I am attending camps at Arkansas State, Memphis, and UCA (Central Arkansas).”
Which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered yet?
“Arkansas State came to my school, I talked to the coaches then. Western Missouri is also showing interest. Arkansas State and Arkansas are coming to our school for one of our spring practices.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?
“I have been to Arkansas.”
Do you have any planned visits?
“I plan on visiting Eastern Central University (Oklahoma) on June 26.”
Do you participate in any other sports for Jacksonville?
“Track.”
Which events?
“The discus.”
What is your cumulative GPA?
“I have a 3.34 GPA.”
Have you taken the ACT and/or SAT yet?
“I got an 18 on the ACT the first time I took it. I plan on retaking the test for a better score.”
Last couple of questions for fun. Are you a talker on the field?
“Yes, sir.”
Do you have a pre-game ritual you do before taking the field?
“I always ask God to give me strength and listen to a certain song.”
Marquez, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
*Click link for Marquez Casey’s Hudl reel
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Photo credit: David Scolli Photography; No. 22 Marquez Casey
Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 22 Marquez Casey QB pressure