Interview: 2017 CB Armani Marsh Surprisingly Flying Underneath the Radar in Washington

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

When Gonzaga Prep finished the 2015 season, the Bullpups made a clean sweep of the state of Washington posting a 14-0 mark capturing a state title. The team had talent all around and was led by Cal signee defensive lineman/running back Evan Weaver but a Class of 2017 talent rose to the occasion repeatedly – Armani Marsh.

Marsh was strong against the run coming up with 30 solo tackles and a forced fumble but was perhaps even stronger against the pass deflecting 12 attempts while picking off three. The 5’10”, 170 pound, rising talent excelled playing Cover 3, Cover 2, and in man coverage throughout the season. College coaches have started to come around with interest building from Washington State, Cornell, North Dakota, and Washington.

The offseason college camp circuit provides high school players with another opportunity to showcase their talents on the proving grounds just feet away from coaches with the power to lay down offers. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Marsh before he takes on the next challenge in his high school football career covering his possible camp schedule and received an update on his recruitment process to date.

Interview

Armani, you had a great stat line to your junior season. Looking back, what were some of the things that you thought you did well playing corner?

“I felt that I was able to stop the run well. In the offseason of my sophomore year, I put on about 30 pounds and increased my strength. I’m a good tackler and played very good coverage.”

What are some of the things that you are working on in the offseason to improve upon for your senior season?

“This off season I’ve been lifting with Evan (Weaver) every day after school. I’ve also been doing a lot of agility work and all the main lifts. I’m running track right now to increase my speed and get faster. I’m doing 7×7 tournaments as well. We are about to start a few tournaments. We have one in California in April that I’m looking forward to. I’m going to a lot of camps. I attended the Northwest Stars camp last weekend and I’m going to the Northwest Elite camp on June 3.”

Which track events are you running?

“The 100, 200, 4×1, and long jump.”

How has your preparations gone for those events so far?

“This is our first week doing track. We’ve been conditioning and going through each event. We have a jamboree coming up. We will get timed in the different events to see where everyone is at before we start competing.”

You mentioned some exposure camps, do you have any plans to attend college camps?

“Yes I do. I’m going to Washington State, I’ve been invited to their camp. I’m attending Washington State’s Junior Day coming up. I’m going to University of North Dakota for one of their elite camps. Northern Arizona has invited me to a camp. I might attend Portland State and Cornell camps.”

There may be some overlapping here, but which schools are showing recruiting interest in you right now?

“Cornell, they’ve been contacting me a lot. Wazzu (Washington State), I talk to Gordy Anderson (manager of player personnel), we’ve been contacting one another. UDUB (Washington), I’ve talked to a few of their coaches. North Dakota called this week. I spoke with Coach (Carl) Reinholz (defensive assistant). Northern Arizona sends me camp emails. I’m looking at Oregon State and Eastern Washington camps, and I want to get down to Cal-Poly San Louis Obispo, I’m interested in them.”

Will we see you playing any other positions next season other than cornerback?

“Usually at Prep, they have just one-sided players. We used Evan Weaver on both sides last year but he was a beast. No one could stop him. I’m talking to coach (David McKenna) about playing wide receiver next year. I did punt returns this year for the first couple of games, I’ll try to do that again my senior year.”

You mentioned you’re heading to California for a 7×7 tournament. When are you coming down and where is the tournament?

“The tournament is in San Pablo, but I’m not sure of the name of the event. I think the tournament is on April 10 and 11. When we go down there, I’m going to visit USC, meet the coaches and watch a practice, and I’ve contacted UCLA and Cal-Poly about taking an unofficial.”

Are you taking any other unofficial visits coming up?

“Washington State’s Junior Day, Montana’s Junior Day, and Washington’s Junior Day.”

You’re going to be a very busy man coming up.

“I know.”

I like to find out how things are going in the classroom. Do you have a GPA you don’t mind sharing?

“I have a 3.512.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“No, but I’m scheduled to take them in the spring.”

Armani, thanks for your time today and good luck with all of your visits and camps.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: vype.com; Armani Marsh with championship trophy.

Photo credit Chere Mckeirnan; Armani Marsh defends a pass in the end zone.

Photo credit: Chere Mckeirnan; Armani Marsh gets the tackle