Offseason Update Interview with 2021 California LB Jack Marta
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Some senior seasons hold more weight than others, but all are equally important. The upcoming run for Class of 2021 linebacker Jack Marta is as important as it gets. Lacing up the cleats with Villa Park High School, the 6-1, 215-pound, linebacker will be chasing after a Crestview League title with programs like Northern Arizona, UNLV, and Valparaiso watching.
For an update on his offseason workout Marta stopped by the RNG Lab for another one-on-one interview.
*Click link for May 2020 RNG video interview with Jack Marta
Interview
Jack, update us on your offseason workouts. How have they been going?
They’ve been really good. I have been working out four to five days a week and I have been working on my speed a lot. My hips have been a focus making everything fluid and quick out on the field.
As a linebacker/defensive end, what have you been working on with the technical parts of your game?
I have been working on hand fighting, downhill speed, flipping my hips, and my man and zone coverage.
What have you been doing in the weight room to add more strength and power to your skills?
A lot of dead lifts and squats for the offensive linemen to use power against them, and a lot of core to become quicker. For the upper body, I have been doing a lot of dumb bell rows.
Have you had a chance to max out on any of your lifts this summer or fall?
Only on squat. My squat max is 425.
You mentioned working on your speed, which speed and agility workouts have you been doing?
A lot of hill running. One day a week I run hills. I have also been working with a private trainer on speed. For linebacker speed, I have been working on lateral movement.
What is the practice schedule for Villa Park this fall?
Right now, we are in pods practicing about four days a week. Defense will go early before school or we flip it going in the afternoon.
What have you guys been working on in practice?
We’ve been doing over the playbook and our coverages – Cover 2, 3, and 4. More of the focus has been on our base 3-4 defense. That is our new base from a 4-3 last season. No matter what, people will be happy with the product on the field.
With the new defense, where are you lining up and what are your responsibilities within the scheme?
My role is to lead the defense, to be the hype man, and lay the big hits. I will be inside at middle linebacker.
With just about two months before the 2020 season begins, it is closing time for all California high school football players. As you narrow your focus for the best season possible, what is left for you to accomplish to be 100 percent ready for your senior year?
Good question. My main goal before we play is having everyone on the same page, focused and ready to go so we can dominate and roll through everyone. That is my main goal, to have everyone healthy and focused on one goal.
Jack, thanks for your time today. Keep up the hard work this fall and winter.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Marta family; Jack Marta preseason workouts