Interview: Versatility is Key for Big 3-Star 2023 California DB Marcus Ratcliffe
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The talents and abilities of high school players, especially at a younger age, continue to impress. The what was seemingly impossible are becoming a thing watching guys like 6-3, 190-pound, defensive back Marcus Ratcliffe play corner, nickel, and safety. The versatility Ratcliffe brings to the field was a difference maker for Cathedral Catholic during the 2020 season watching him cover big and speedy receivers while coming up and stopping the run. The three-star Class of 2023 recruit has nailed down an offer from hometown San Diego State with interest coming in from across the country. That rising stock will get a boost this summer at college camps.
Swinging by the RNG Lab, Ratcliffe gives an inside look to his talents on the field, offseason workouts, and growing recruiting process.
Interview
Marcus, you may be developing into the master of the tip drill. You showed some of those big play tendencies during the 2020 season. How do you prepare for each game putting yourself in position to make an impact on the field?
Honestly, I try to focus on the other team, what they will do, and make as little mistakes as possible. As the games go on, I look back on what I could have done better. The week of each game, I work to improve on it to get better each game.
Looks like they had you at safety and maybe some at nickel during the season. Where all were you lining up?
Both free and strong safety and some at corner and nickel. In practice, I was getting some receiver reps. This season I should be playing both sides of the ball.
What were some of the coverages you guys were executing?
Cover 6, 3, 2, 4, and we had man blitz packages. In some of our packages, we don’t show what we are doing and then switch into what we are doing.
Being that versatile player, how did your cover skills improve during your sophomore season?
Going into my sophomore season I wasn’t shocked. The level of explosiveness was different but I adapted quickly. That offseason, I got bigger, stronger, and faster. This season I learned what I could do. My ball skills and getting the ball out of the receiver’s hands improved. I improved on playing the double move, like on a post-corner, by not biting on the first move and being patient. This season I learned more about being patient.
You touched on this a minute ago, where all will we see you on the field during the 2021 season?
Everywhere. I played all special teams, all defensive back positions, and at receiver as well.
How are you preparing this summer for the 2021 campaign?
Every day I am working on my footwork and speed trying to become a more explosive player. I am working on being there before other players are and I am working on my strength as well. I like where I am at with my strength and weight, but you can get better. This summer I am trying to fix everything that I could not do during the season.
What exercises and/or drills are you doing to increase your speed and agility?
Running with parachutes doing 30-yard sprints 10 to 12 reps. I am doing footwork, core stability and balance exercises, and working on my explosiveness with squats, deadlifts, cleans.
Have you been to any national camps this offseason?
Yes, I was invited to the Under Armour camp.
How did that experience go?
It went pretty good. I did well with my footwork and during the one-on-ones. I really liked it. It was a good experience.
Are you going to any college camps this summer?
On June 9 I am going to a Redlands camp. Washington and Boise State will be there.
Which programs are showing interest?
A lot of Pac-12 schools are showing interest. Washington is showing a lot. I have talked to their coaches, I like them. I have a lot of Twitter follows from schools like Notre Dame, a couple of their coaches are following me including their safety coach. It is hard because I can’t really contact with them yet. Texas, Boise State, Oregon State, Washington State is showing a lot of interest, USC, and Oregon a little bit. Oregon’s head coach, Coach (Mario) Cristobal is following me.
Very cool. Which program has offered you?
San Diego State has offered.
What was that moment like receiving the SDSU offer?
It felt like the work was worth it. But I didn’t want to feel satisfied, I still have a lot of work to do. I should not be content with the offer. But I was very proud.
Marcus, thank you for your time today. Wishing you success at the upcoming Redlands’ camp.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Ratcliffe family; Marcus Ratcliffe