California: Interview with Foothill All-League LB Roman Marchetti
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Roman Marchetti is having a great senior season at Foothill High School as the team captain has 81 total tackles including five for a loss at the linebacker position.
The 6’2”, 205-pound, playmaker has good field vision to know what is going on around him to make tackles against the running or passing game. Marchetti also has tremendous tackling ability and strength.
This Class of 2022 recruit is drawing interest from numerous colleges and it will be exciting to watch Roman reach the next level after making a name for himself at Foothill High School.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Marchetti to talk about his senior season and get an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Roman, what are your thoughts on your senior season thus far?
So far, my senior season has been going well. We are off to a 7-0 start, and still have lots to improve on as a team. We have lots of talent and potential to win a championship, we just got to pick it up for the remainder of the season. Like my team, I have stuff I need to continue to work on and improve, but I’ve been playing the best football of my life.
What has been your most memorable moment in 2021?
The most memorable part of 2021 for me is my trip to East Coast and Midwest to check out colleges and attend football camps over the summer. This trip was awesome because I was able to see parts of the country I had never been too. Competing with kids from all around the U.S. was eye-opening and motivating.
What are your strengths on the field?
My biggest strength on the field is definitely my versatility. While I am a very strong run stopper, I’m also really good at covering the pass whether it’s a zone or man coverage. I’m even an admirable edge rusher and continuing to develop my skills in that department.
How would you describe your style of play?
I would describe myself as a relentless-nasty ballhawk. I’m always hustling to the ball to make a play. I play with the mindset of blowing up the ball carrier or blockers in my way. This aggressiveness does not negatively affect my play as I’m able to control it. And if I’m the second man in on the tackle I always look to strip the ball or knock it loose from the ball carrier, attempting to force a turnover. You could say I have a “nose” for football.
What kind of defensive scheme does Foothill run?
At Foothill, our base defense is a 4-3, cover 2 zone. If the opposing team lines up in a 3×1 receiver set, we often roll down a safety to that side and move into a cover 3 zone. I am for the most part the weak side outside linebacker, but I can play all three of the linebacker positions if need be.
How do your skills fit into this scheme?
My skills fit this scheme very well because I’m a good run and pass stopper. Our defense is also designed for outside linebackers to be good at both run and pass defense, so my efficiency in both categories suites the outside linebacker position very well.
What do you like most about playing linebacker?
My favorite part about playing linebacker is being able to run sideline to sideline and make tackles. At linebacker, you can always be the hammer, and never have to be the nail because of where you are positioned throughout plays. Laying the boom is the best feeling in the game.
What are your maxes in the weight room?
I can bench 260 pounds, squat 385 pounds, deadlift 430 pounds, and power clean 245 pounds.
Is there an NFL player that you try to model your game after?
Ray Lewis is someone I try to model my game after. Ray Lewis was someone all 11 people on the offense respected or even feared. I want to earn the respect of all 11 players on opposing teams through my aggressive play.
Have you been on any college visits?
Over the summer I visited campuses on the East Coast, Southeast, and in the Midwest. I visited UC Davis, Vanderbilt, Notre Dame, Purdue, Northwestern, Penn, Yale and Columbia. I attended the camps at all of these schools. It was a great experience.
Which was your favorite visit and why?
My favorite visit and camp was at Penn. The camp was fun, competitive and the coaches were very high energy and involved.
Are there any other schools showing interest in you?
I send my films to lots of coaches every week. I would say UC Davis, Penn and Weber State are among appearing to have the most interest.
What do you want your legacy to be after graduation?
I hope to leave a legacy of winning for future players at Foothill. The goal since the beginning of the summer has been a CIF Championship. And by winning one, I think I will be able to leave a legacy of winning and success. I want to look back as an alumni knowing Foothill football will always instill the winning mindset in its student-athletes.
What do you want to study in college?
In college, I plan to study kinesiology, although I’m very open to a multitude of other majors like journalism, biology or political science.
What is your GPA?
I have a 4.73 cumulative GPA. My grades are extremely important to me and I grind in the classroom to maintain As in all my classes.
What is your ACT or SAT score?
My highest SAT score as of now is 1250. I just took my second one two weekends ago and believe I did much better.
Thank you for your time.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Marchetti family; Roman Marchetti at UC Davis