Marquel Dismuke, the Southern California bell ringer

Exclusive interview with the Dominguez High School star

 

Is there still an occupation for bell ringers in today’s world? If so Dominguez High School’s free safety Marquel Dismuke should be getting paid for his services.

There is nothing free for the opposition when this bell ringer comes up the middle to lay a hit on an unsuspecting running back. Whether he’s knocking a guy on his ass, knocking off the helmet of a running back, or ringing someone’s bell Dismuke makes the opposition pay in the form of violent contact on the field.

On offense No. 9 occasionally lines up at wide receiver making diving catches look routine. Showing the defensive player at heart, he’ll lower a shoulder on a linebacker continuing to dish out punishment succeeding at ringing more bells.

The Dons use the 6’2”, 180 pound, playmaker on special teams too, returning punts. Returning punts is not for the faint of heart. Instead of being a stationary target for gunners on the punt team to target, Dismuke side steps, weaves in-and-out, and finds a way to deliver a blow or take it back for six.

 

In an exclusive interview Marquel Dismuke sat down to talk about his junior campaign in 2014, his thoughts on the 2015 season, and recruiting.

Marquel, your play on the field has not gone unnoticed this year by college coaches. What schools are recruiting you right now?

“I have offers from Arizona State, Cal, Colorado State, Mississippi State, and San Diego State. A couple of days ago Oregon and USC came up to school to meet with me. The day before that Arizona came up. Cal and ASU have been by too.”

Have you gone on any unofficial trips yet?

“I’ve gone on unofficial visits at ASU, Arizona, Cal, USC, and UCLA.”

How were the trips into Arizona?

“Hot! But both were good trips. Both schools have a good environment.”

How were your visits to USC and UCLA?

“I’ve been visiting USC since I was a kid. No surprises at USC. I got to meet the coaches. At UCLA I met the coaches but haven’t visited the facilities. I went to a couple of practices too.”

What are the main factors you will consider in choosing a college?

“The main factor will be my opportunities at each school.”

Do you plan on attending any camps this summer?

“I don’t know yet.”

The Dons were 7-4 in 2014 losing in the first round of the playoffs to La Serna 24-21. Looking back, how do you feel about how the team played this year?

“We didn’t play every game to our best ability but some games we played with all our heart. The defense set the tone for the team.”

What are your strengths on the field?

“I feel like my strengths cover a little bit of everything. I like to hit. I also like to give the offense a chance to score.”

What are your goals for the 2015 football season?

“My goals are to work hard and give it my all throughout my senior year. I’d like to get 100 tackles and 10 picks too.”

Will your role change next season at all?

“I should be playing more on offense next year. We didn’t throw that much this year. I should be on punt return and kickoff return teams next year.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“I get to get my anger out without worrying about anything else that is going on. I get to have fun on the football field.”

 

Dismukes walks the walk and talks the talk exactly how a safety should straight to the point and with an attitude. With colleges like ASU, Cal, CSU, Mississippi State, and SDSU already pining for his abilities at the next level one can assume great things are on the horizon for this Southern California product.

 

Photo credit: pintrest.com; No. 9 Marquel Dismuke playing for Carson in 2013.

Photo credit: presstelegram.com; Marquel Dismuke in action for Dominguez.