Interview: New school for LA’s Marcel Myers brings more exposure and more responsibilities

Los Angeles area Class of 2016 recruit Marcel Myers is on the move, both on and off the gridiron. Heading into spring Myers transferred from Redondo Union High School in the south bay to Alemany High School in Mission Hills, north San Fernando Valley. As the crow flies the distance covers one end of LA County to the other but for Myers the change is worlds apart.

In 2014 Myers and the Sea Hawks played through a 6-6 season. Coach Matt Ballard relied heavily on the run leaving fewer opportunities for Myers to strut his stuff on the field, but when he did get the ball he made things happen, pulling down 19 receptions he turned in 214 yards with two scores.

Over the same time period, Myers’ new team posted a record of 7-3 playing some of the perennial powerhouse schools in southern California. The Warriors managed a schedule playing against Dorsey, Chaminade, Bishop Amat, Serra, Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks), and Crespi.

With the new school brings a new challenge and far more gridiron responsibilities. Alemany runs a more balanced attack which will give Myers more opportunities. Warriors head coach Dean Herrington also plans to use his new player on the defensive side of the ball.

Despite only being able to show a glimpse of his overall talents, college recruiters have seen enough to start dropping offers. The 6’2”, 173 pound, athlete has interests from schools like Arizona, Arizona State, Washington, Oregon State, and Colorado just to name a few but already has offers from Montana State and Northern Arizona.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview Myers sat down to talk about his transition from one school to another, recruiting, and gearing up for a highly anticipated senior season.

 

Marcel, the Sea Hawks finished the year 6-6, how did the season go for you?

“We were not really a passing team. Whenever the ball came my way, I got the most out of what I was given. The passes that were thrown were more bubble screens and stuff in the flats.”

Did you earn any individual honors at the end of your junior season?

“I was named the team’s Most Outstanding Skill Player.”

Overall how did the season go for the team?

“We shocked a lot of people, we normally lose in the first round of the playoffs (Pacifica 14-13). We went to the second round before losing (Ventura 49-8). We had a pretty good season. We didn’t have much size as an overall team but we played hard.”

Have you had a chance to step on the field with your new team yet?

“Yes, we started spring practice on Monday.”

How has the transition to Alemany gone for you so far?

“I’m playing on both sides of the ball. I’m lining up at outside receiver and corner. That’s what I know I am playing. I might be playing special teams too.

“School wise everything is great, I have a 3.0 GPA. The transition as been easier than I thought it would be. The teachers, the scenery, the students, everything has been great.”

From your early assessment of the Warriors how does the team look heading into next season?

“We are really strong on both sides of the ball. We are determined and focused to win league and go deep into the playoffs and win CIF.”

What are your strengths on the field?

“At wide receiver I’m a leader. I also like to help people if they are down or confused. Our team is only as good as our weakest link. I want everyone to be as calm and comfortable as possible. I’m very vocal on the field. I point out defenses. I can read defenses. I know alignments. If a defender is lined up inside I’m giving him a little move, on the outside same thing, on a streak I’ll run right past him.”

What are some of the other skills you have at wide receiver that makes you a threat on the field?

“First my speed, and then my height. Some cornerbacks get intimidated by my height and speed. I can adjust to the ball in the air and I’m not afraid to go in the middle. Actually I’m very comfortable going across the middle.”

What are your goals for your senior season?

“My senior goals are to lead the Pac-5 in receiving, be first-team All-League at wide receiver and at cornerback. Oh, and be the most valuable player for my team. That’s it.

“My team goals are to win CIF, before that we need to win league, and then make it into the playoffs. My other goals are to beat Crespi, Bishop Amat, and Serra.”

Will you have to sit out any games because you transferred schools?

“I don’t have to sit out any games. I found out on Friday that I was cleared for the whole season.”

What schools are recruiting you right now?

“I have interests from Washington State, Army, Iowa State, Washington, BC (Boston College), Missouri, Arizona, ASU, Colorado, and Oregon State. Oh, and Fresno. Fresno’s DC (defensive coordinator Nick Toth) got in touch with me about two weeks ago.

“I also have to offers from Northern Arizona and Montana State.”

When the different college coaches talk to you about your skill set what are they telling you they like?

“They like how I’m a hard worker. They also like how I attack the ball. I don’t let the ball come to me. I don’t stop if the ball is coming my way I go to it.”

What will influence your decision on where you play your college ball?

“It will come down to what offenses and defenses the team’s run, mainly on offense. That’s where I will get the most playing time.”

What position is Montana State and Northern Arizona recruiting you to play?

“Both schools are recruiting me as an athlete to play corner or receiver.”

What about the Pac-12 area schools, what are they recruiting you to play?

“Majority looking at me as a wide receiver, that’s my main position. Oh, I met with San Jose State last week as a cornerback.”

Are you going to any college camps this summer?

“Yes, I’m going to UCLA, Cal, and I’m going to NAU. I was going to go to Oregon but my flight was cancelled. I might go to San Jose State and Fresno too.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“I went to USC three weeks ago.”

How was that experience for you?

“It was a really cool experience. I got to see and talk to a lot of guys. I’m good friends with Roy Hemsley (OL) and Jonathan Locket (CB). My grandfather is a professional trainer (Burt Myers). He’s worked with a lot of the guys on the team.”

Have you gone or will you go to any exposure camps?

“Last year I went to the Rivals camp. I got invited to go this year. I was invited to the camp in Oakland. I’m going to it.”

What are you doing in the offseason to prepare for the college camps and your senior year?

“I am running track – I’ve been running track all my life. Working with my uncle, Antonio Chapman (49ers, Packers, and Bengals), he was a former NFL athlete, on drills and how to get off the ball. I catch 200 tennis balls a day. I throw the ball of a wall and work with both hands. I jump rope and I work with my coach on defense at corner.”

What events do you run in track?

“I run the 400m, 200m, and the 4×4.”

What are your best times in the 400 and 200?

“In the 400 my best time is 50.8 and in the 200 I’m in the low 22’s, 22.2 and 22.3.”

Are there any college or NFL players you enjoy watch play the game?

“Yes, I really have major respect for Dez Bryant (Dallas Cowboys), Antonio Brown (Pittsburgh Steelers), and Richard Sherman (Seattle Seahawks). I like how they command their teams. They know what they need to do and they make big plays in big games.”

Do you know what you want to major in yet?

“I want to major in sports medicine or nursing.”

Who has made the biggest impact on your football career?

“I’m going to have to say my uncle (Antonio Chapman). He’s been very influential all my life. He played the same position and made it to the pros. He’s always teaching me something new every time I workout with him.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“I love the sport. I like spending time with my teammates; all the countless hours working hard in the weight room and on the field. If we make a mistake you have to pull together as a team.”

 

Written by Ryan Wright

Photo credit: dailybreeze.com; No. 13 Marcel Myers pulls down a pass for Redondo Union.

Photo credit: dailybreeze.com; No. 13 Marcel Myers fights for yards against North Torrance.