Next Level Football

Steubenville Combine Preview

On Our Radar: Quarterback Marcus Fuller - Ashland, Ohio

 A 17 year-old rising senior at Ashland High School in Ohio, Marcus Fuller holds a 4.0 GPA, is a Scholar Athlete and is also a member of the National Honor Society. Admirable achievements, to be sure... But Marcus Fuller's ability to impress does not end in the class room. This Ashland Varsity Quarterback also brings exceptional athletic talent to the football field as well.

So much so, that in 2009 Marcus was voted, 1^st Team All Ohio Division 2. He was also named Conference Offensive Player of the Year, Northwest District Player of the Year and All Area Player of the Year. Ohio Magazine also recognized Fuller with an All Division - All Ohio Special Mention. His own team, (the Ashland Arrows coached by Scott Valentine) voted Marcus MVP after they finished 11-2 this past season and took the Conference Title Championship Game.

In the second playoff game, the Arrows were down 14-0 and with only nine minutes left on the clock, the team rallied and scored 19 unanswered points to win the game. Fuller ran the ball in himself for the game winning touchdown with less than 20 seconds remaining.

Marcus seems to have a “never-give-up, “never-give-in” attitude. Always striving to improve his skills, this is one very disciplined young man who in the coming season is bound to get lots more looks and much attention.

I spoke to Marcus about football, his combine experiences, training and his aspirations and hopes for the future.

Maggie: When did you begin playing football?

Marcus: “I think about seven or eight years ago, when I was nine or ten. We had a pee-wee team. All I ever wanted to do was play football and keep getting better and better.”

Maggie: “What's helped you become so successful?”

M: “Well, first off, I'm not afraid to work hard. I put in the necessary time and work hard all the time. My trainer, Pat Adams from Xpress Sports Training has also helped me a lot. I'll do whatever it takes to be successful. I also go to a lot of football camps and combines.”

Maggie: “Speaking of combines and camps, how important are they to you?”

Marcus: “I've gone to Next Level Football Combines since I was a freshman in high school. I think, absolutely, they're an essential part of the process for any high school player who wants to move on and play football in College. I go to them as much as possible. A good performance can mean everything. Coaches have said they want to see me in combines and camps.”

Maggie: “What's been your favorite part of our Combines?”

Marcus: “Definitely, the one-on-ones. Best part of the day and a great way to show what you've got.”

Maggie: “Have you thought much about College? Made any visits?”

Marcus: “Harvard, Princeton and Yale are at the top of my list. Also, Western Michigan, Central Michigan, Ohio, Old Dominion and Brown. I went to Ball State, Central and Western Michigan... Junior Day at Ohio and Toledo and a couple more.”

Maggie: “So, what do you want to do after College and what will your Major be?”

Marcus: “I really want to become a College Football Coach someday. In college, I plan on majoring in accounting or finance.”

Maggie: “Who's your favorite Pro Team and Player?”

Marcus: “I like the Cleveland Browns and Drew Brees.”

Maggie: “Yeah, at one point Coaches said he was too short, right?”

Marcus: “Exactly. I hear the same thing sometimes.”

Maggie: “So, you're going to prove them wrong?”

Marcus: “Yeah, every time I'm out there.”

Marcus is heading to Steubenville, Ohio a week from Sunday for the Next Level Football Combine at Big Red Stadium with nearly 300 other high school players.  And when Marcus is “out there” tossing the ball during the one-on-ones my guess is that everyone will definitely be watching.

Note: Fuller broke the school record for yards in a game this past season v Tallmadge with 410 and also tied the school record for TDs in the same game with 5 TDs.