Name: Marquez Tucker
School: Southern Utah
Position: OG/OC
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 300
Q: What goals did you accomplish heading into your final collegiate season?
The goals I had for myself in my final collegiate season was to be named the best player at my position in my conference, I wanted an invite to a major all-star bowl game, I wanted to diversify my skill set by playing guard and tackle, I wanted to increase my strength and improve my technique. My final goal was to leave my team in a better place than when I arrived. I wanted to pass on as much knowledge and advice as possible to the next wave of players, so they could help elevate the program even further than I did.
Q: What would your coaches say about the type of player you are?
Coaches would describe me as someone who is both physical, detail oriented, driven, and extremely coachable. They would say I am always open to criticism and that I have the power and athleticism that you look for in an offensive lineman.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
I pay attention to player personnel, I look for certain tendencies every player has so I can prepare myself when I play against them. I try to focus on becoming a more cerebral player and studying different defensive fronts and identifying different habits defenses show.
Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?
What separates me from other players is the fact that I came into college as a raw 230-pound offensive lineman. I have had to work for every pound I gained and every accolade I have achieved. I will take that work ethic and drive to make me successful in whatever I do.
Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?
This offseason I am focused on improving my technique and my functional strength. I am learning center so that I can play anywhere along the offensive line, this way I can be as valuable as possible to whatever team gives me an opportunity. I have trained at the Landow Performance training facility in Denver, Colorado. They have given me great advice about nutrition, strength training, and perfecting my technique. I will continue to implement the strength training and nutrition plan at my local facility in Phoenix. I will also spend time with local position coaches to get another perspective on improving as an overall athlete.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I think some of the greatest strengths that will help both on and off the field, would be discipline, trustworthiness, dependability, and dedication. I am one hundred percent focused on football, so there will be no off the field issues that will distract me from my play on the field or embarrass the organization. My team and the fans can always trust that I will be prepared on the field and off of it. I will make the correct decisions so that I never let down the team or the fans.
Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
If your team is looking for a versatile lineman who can play anywhere on the line, possess great strength, is extremely coachable, and is undeniably dedicated to being the best football player he can be then you should pick me. I am honest, driven, and capable. I will dominate at the next level by staying humble and ensuring that I absorb all the input from my coaches and teammates. I believe that I have the strength to compete against anyone in the NFL and with the help of your organization I will only get better and better.
