Interview: Washington 2017 LB Markus Sullivan Under the Radar Despite Big Production

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Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

As sure as the sun rising in the west, senior high school football players fly under the radar. One of the many talents finally starting to jump up on recruiting boards across the country is Washington 2017 linebacker/tight end Markus Sullivan.

Sullivan is not a flash in the pan senior getting hot at the right time. The 6-4, 220 pound, athlete has been a standout for Henry M. Jackson High School coming into his own during his junior season. Sullivan ended the 2015 campaign with 111 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles, and an amazing four blocked kicks in nine games. The 2016 season is shaping up to be even better for the Mill Creek area native. Stats through five games has Sullivan with 68 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, one interception, and three passes broken up. On offense he is a first down machine showing great athleticism hauling in 14 passes with total yardage unknown.

Regional colleges are aware of Sullivan with Hawaii, Montana State, and Portland State offering. Schools showing interest includes Washington, Oregon State, Montana, and North Carolina. Interest is sure to spike once the 2016 college football regular season winds down with a renewed focus back on the recruiting trail seeing a scramble of college coaches looking for the best talent possible to fill their respective recruiting classes – Sullivan will be one of them.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Sullivan getting the inside scoop on his senior season to date while getting the latest on his recruitment.

Interview

Markus, you play on both sides of the ball at tight end and linebacker. How did you prepare for your senior year?

“I trained with a former Auburn player, Jay Wisner, and I trained at a local performance facility.”

How did you focus your training?

“I didn’t work too much on tight end but a lot at linebacker. I worked on my 40-yard dash and my agility. A lot of speed work. My strength is up to par.”

Between linebacker and tight end, which do you like better?

“Linebacker – I like to hit people. At tight end you don’t know where it is coming from when you get hit.”

What are some of the gains you have made in your season at linebacker?

“I’d say I’m better at reading my keys. Last year was my first year at linebacker switching over from defensive end. Last year I was making the tackle a couple yards after the line of scrimmage. Now I am getting in the backfield more or making the stop at the line of scrimmage.”

What are the strengths of your game?

“My run defense is a strength. If teams run counters or pulls, I’m good at reading that. I’m good at coming off blitzes and I have a strong pass rush.”

Any big games coming up?

“The Cascade game was our homecoming game (won 19-15 on Oct. 14). We had guys come back from previous years for the game. We always get a good crowd for that game. Monroe (Oct. 21) is undefeated (ranked No. 5 in-state). That will be a good game.”

Which game has been your best this season?

“I’d say my best game against Glacier Peak. I had three or four tackles for a loss, 16 or 17 tackles, and a couple of pass breakups.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“I’m talking to Northern Colorado, Oregon State, UDUB (Washington), and Montana.”

Which schools do you have offers from right now?

“Hawaii, Portland State, and Montana State.”

Have you taken any visits yet?

“I have not taken any official visits yet. I took an unofficial to UDUB. I have visits planned for Portland State and to Montana, all unofficial visits. I’m not planning on taking official visits until after the season.”

How did your visit to Washington go?

“It was a good visit. I really liked the atmosphere there. The facilities were great, their player’s center was cool. I like Washington’s linebacker coach, Coach (Bob) Gregory.”

What is your overall GPA?

“I have a 2.8.”

Have you taken either of your standardized tests yet?

“I took the SAT and scored a 1200.”

Is there a player at either of the next levels you like to watch to learn more about the game?

“I like Clay Matthews (Green Bay Packers). I don’t model my game after him but he is fun to watch. I like Luke Kuechly (Carolina Panthers) too.”

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

“Thank you.”

Click link to see Markus Sullivan’s Hudl reel.

 

Photo credit: vype.com; No. 25 Markus Sullivan pre-snap.

Photo credit: Scott Williams photography; No. 25 Markus Williams gets QB pressure.

Photo credit: Sullivan family; Markus Sullivan at Hawaii.