Interview: Oklahoma 2017 DB Marcus Mays is as Good as Anyone Else, Even on One Good Leg

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

If you have not had a chance to see Marcus Mays play yet or at least watch his highlight reel, go do it. The 6’1”, 165 pound, Class of 2017 recruit is as fun to watch as any other defensive back in the nation with athleticism that cannot be denied. Once you have watched his reel, realize that many of those great highlights were done on one good leg in 2015.

Mays was a two-way player for Edison High School during his junior season coming up with touchdown receptions lining up as a wide receiver and had at least five picks with who knows how many passes defended and ball carriers stopped. Edison did not keep official stats last season so the final stat line is really anyone’s best guess.

What is known – Mays was a difference maker in the secondary able to line up at corner or at safety. He was still head and shoulders above the rest even though he had a fractured ankle which happened somewhere around Game 7 (vs. East Central) when he came down for a pass awkwardly. Despite a little bit of pain and discomfort, Mays kept playing through four more games not knowing that he had fractured his ankle thinking it was just a sprain.

As expected, colleges have backed off Mays for now wanting to see him run, jump, and defend again to make sure he is still the same playmaker he was before the injury. Tulane has dropped an offer with teams like Arkansas State, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Stephen F. Austin, Washington State, Kansas, Houston, and Texas Tech all showing different levels of interest at one time or another.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Mays to go over his junior season and offseason plans while getting an update on his health status and recruitment.

Interview

Marcus, you are versatile enough to play either corner or safety. Which position do you like more than the other?

“If I had to choose right now… I’d play wherever a coach puts me. I like both equally.”

What are your strengths on the field as a defensive back?

“I have great ball skills. I go up and attack the ball every time. At safety, I can come downhill well and stop the run. One thing that is a strength for me is my quickness and my first step. Colleges tell me I have great ball skills.”

I could not find your stat totals online. Do you know what your final stat total was for your junior season?

“I didn’t keep count but I know I had three or four picks – at least. I have no idea how many tackles I had.”

What honors did you earn last year?

“I was All-District and All-State honorable mention.”

You played some wide receiver in addition to corner and safety. What positions will we see you play in 2016?

“I’ll play receiver, safety, some corner, and I’m going to play some quarterback this year.”

Are you excited to play some at quarterback next year?

“Ahh – we’ll see.”

What was the best 40-yard dash time you posted last year?

“A 4.5.”

You had offseason surgery on your ankle. How did you hurt your ankle?

“I came down on a catch and landed on it wrong. I did not know it at the time that I had fractured my ankle. I played the rest of the season on a fractured ankle.”

Which game did the injury occur during?

“It was the Collinsville game or the game before that against (East) Central.”

Kind of a dumb question but since you kept playing. When it happened did it hurt?

“At first, it seemed like a sprain. I iced it throughout the season so I could play but certain moves I could feel it. It happened towards the end of the season so I kept playing it out. Later I found out my bone was separated from my ankle.”

Where are you now in your recovery?

“I’m expected to be cleared at 100 percent within the next three weeks. I can’t go full speed with my sprints but I can jog on it.”

What are your offseason workout goals?

“I’m focused on working my way back from my injury and getting ready for my senior year.”

You have one offer from Tulane. What other schools are showing interest in you?

“Oklahoma State, Kansas State, Arkansas State, Washington State, Stephen F. Austin, Texas Tech, Houston, and Kansas hit me up a few months ago. I have not heard from OU (Oklahoma) in a while. All of them want to see me run this summer.”

Are you going to any college camps to show them that you can still move with the best of them?

“I’m planning on going to the OSU (Oklahoma State), KSU (Kansas State), and Houston camps.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits?

“I took one to OSU and to TU (Tulsa).”

How did the OSU visit go?

“It went good. I really like their safety position coach, Coach (Kerry) Cooks.”

Are you planning on playing any spring sports for Edison?

“I’m planning on running track.”

Which events?

“The 400, 4×2, and maybe the high jump if I can get my ankle back to where I want it to be.”

Which event is your best?

“The 400.”

What is your best time in the 400?

“50.”

What is your goal for the 400 this season?

“48.”

If you run a 48, will that win state for you?

“Maybe. There are two guys in Oklahoma that can run a 47.”

Do you have a GPA you don’t mind sharing?

“I have a 3.1.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“Yes. I took the ACT and got a qualifying score.”

What do you want to major in once in college?

“I’m in between chemical engineering or aerospace engineering.”

I think I can guess what your favorite subjects are in school.

“Math and science.”

Are there any players at the college or NFL levels that you like to watch play the game?

“Yes, Mackensie Alexander (Clemson cornerback) and Luke Kuechly.”

Marcus, thanks for your time today and good luck with your track season and upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Mays family; Marcus Mays at Oklahoma State.

Photo credit: thefootballbrainiacs.com; No. 11 Marcus Mays.