Interview: Gallatin 2017 WR Marcus DeVault One of the Best Unknowns in Class

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Sometimes a highlight reel comes your way leaving you with nothing to say but wow! Be it being in a good-optimistic mood or seeing it for what it really is, Marcus DeVault Jr. has to be one of the best players in the 2017 recruiting class no one knows about… yet!

Recruiting sites have done DeVault no favors listing him at a height and weight from years prior. When college recruiters pull up a profile page on a 5-9, 161 pound, receiver, as evident up until now, most will keep on going. What everyone is missing out on is a 5-10, 178 pound, dynamic playmaker on both sides of the ball tearing up Tennessee competition under the radar.

In favor of the previously mentioned, DeVault’s situation takes a little digging into to fully understand. His stat line is not going to overwhelm but there is a valid reason. During the 2014 and 2015 season, DeVault played for Station Camp High School. He ended his junior season with 17 receptions covering 345 yards. The stat line is not one of legends, despite averaging 20 yards per reception, but knowing he played in a Wing-T offense might shed some light on why DeVault does not have gaudy numbers.

During the off-season, DeVault transferred back to Gallatin, the school where he started playing varsity ball as a freshman. Through three games, and still in an offense featuring the running game with three-star talent Jordan Ponchez-Mason, he already has nine receptions for 175 yards with seven touchdowns. He has carried the ball twice for 30 yards with another score and is a threat as a kick and punt returner when teams dare kick his way.

DeVault even plays a little defense from time to time, and with great results. In part-time duty he has picked off three passes returning one 100-yards back to the house.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with DeVault to get his background varsity story, an update on his senior year, and an overview on his recruitment.

Interview

Marcus, how long have you been playing at the varsity level?

“Since my freshman year.”

Where did you start out your high school career?

“I was at Gallatin but then transferred to Station Camp for my sophomore and junior seasons. I came back to Gallatin for my senior year.”

How has the transfer back to Gallatin gone for you so far?

“It’s going really well. I am back with my friends that I grew up with. All the guys who go to Gallatin, we played middle school ball together and went undefeated then. For my senior year I wanted to be with them. I knew we could have a really good year. We are gelling and getting better as a team.”

On your reel, you are all over the field seemingly capable of playing numerous positions. Which position do you think you are the best playing?

“Honestly, cornerback. I feel like everything comes more naturally to me at corner. I don’t know why. I’d been playing running back until my sophomore year and then moved to receiver. All that I have accomplished as a receiver, I had to work really hard to do that. At corner, everything comes more natural to me.”

What are your strengths on the field at wide receiver?

“The best things I do as a receiver are my yards after the catch. I can make guys miss in the open field. I am shifty and I can take the top off the defense with my speed and route running.”

What about at corner?

“When I am at corner my best things, I think it is more instincts. I know how to pick up on routes and I understand defenses. I can put myself in good positions to make a play. It all flows and comes natural to me. I am good out of my breaks and stuff like that.”

Understanding everyone wants to win a championship, what are your goals for the 2016 football season?

“The main goal for myself really is just to have fun and become a better team player. I’m trying to have fun with my last year in high school. I’m working to become a better student-athlete and have a good year overall.”

Knowing you may play multiple positions during your senior year, what all did you work on this summer?

“I worked on my speed, agility, and my hands – worked on my hands a lot. I worked on my ability to make a catch and take it 60 yards. I worked on after the catch yards in the sand pit. I worked on my explosion a lot this offseason.”

You mentioned your speed, what is the best 40-yard dash time you have posted?

“My best is a 4.49 at the Western Kentucky camp. Last year, end of my sophomore year I ran a 4.51. I got my time down working on my speed.”

Where all might we see you continue to line up as the season progresses?

“I feel like my role on offense and defense is starting to set in more and more. On defense I can play corner and free safety. The coaches know I can make plays and get the job done if they need me.”

What are your thoughts on your individual performance in 2016 so far?

“I think I have had a pretty good season considering we run the ball a lot. We have a great running back. The stats that I put up, I feel like I have had a really good start to my season.”

Which schools are recruiting you right now?

“I talked to ETSU (Eastern Tennessee State) a lot, Samford, and Tennessee Chattanooga. Tennessee Chattanooga messaged me today telling me that they are calling tonight. Those are the main schools in contact with. One of the Memphis coaches and I direct message one another.”

When you talk to the various coaches, what are they telling you they like about your game?

“They are telling me that they like my film a lot and they want to see more film. They want to see that I can dominate the field.”

Do you have any visits lined up?

“I’m supposed to visit Samford, supposed to visit ETSU for one of their games, and I am lined up for game day visit at Memphis.”

Do you play any other varsity sports?

“Baseball, basketball, and I run track. After football this year, I’m playing baseball and running track.”

Which events in track do you run?

“The 4×1, 4×2, and the long jump.”

What is your best in the long jump?

“Last year it was 20-feet.”

What is your overall GPA?

“I have a 3.1.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I’m taking the ACT on Oct. 22.”

Back to football, how does the Green Wave look going forward after a 4-1 start to the 2016 season?

“We look really good. We are really focused on the task. They did not make the playoffs last year. This year we are all focused. We want a positive end to our season.”

Understanding that you may be excited to play all of the games on the schedule but are there any games left that you are a little more excited to play than the others?

“Oh yes, this Friday against we play (Station) Camp, my old team. After that we play Beech High School on TV, and then we play Hendersonville right after that. The next three games I am really looking forward to playing.”

Fun questions, what was the best game you watched last weekend?

“I’d have to say the Alabama and Ole Miss game. That was the best game I saw.”

Is there a game you are looking forward to seeing this weekend?

“I’m ready to see Tennessee and Florida play.”

Marcus, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your senior season.

“Thank you.”

Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com FREE!

If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!

Photo credit: usatodayhss.com; Marcus DeVault breaks a tackle for Station Camp (2015).

Photo credit: gallatinnews.com; Marcus DeVault scores a touchdown for Station Camp (2015).

Photo credit:  D1Highlights; No. 3 Marcus DeVault with Gallatin.