2023 Player Spotlight/interview with Marquis Lucas from Columbus Walnut Ridge

[LICKING COUNTY FAN]

Marquis Lucas

Walnut ridge high school

QB LB

2026

You are a rare breed, being involved in four sports. Football Basketball Wrestling Track. How tough is it to keep the grades up while doing four different sports?

It’s definitely a difficult task but I get threw it I get help when need it I have a great relationship with my teachers and principal just show up every day and focus and you going to pass that's what I do.

How long have you played or participated in each sport?

I started playing flag football at 3 I got into contact at 4 basketball I started playing rec at 4 but team ball at 6 wrestling I started wrestling when I was 5 and track I start running in the 8th grade

Walnut Ridge, like so many city league teams, has had lower numbers when it comes to football. As a player, how do you try to change that?

As a player, I try to come and change it by being a leader when you are the quarterback you have to be a leader at all times on and off the field i gotta get everyone to come to practice and weightlifting and just work hard every day preparing for the first game

Coming off of a rough 2-7 season, what is it going to take for you guys to be the force you usually are in the Columbus City League?

It's going to take everyone coming to practice and taking it seriously but we are working, unfortunately, I wasn't part of the 2-7 I was at Linden McKinley High School but I saw them last year we gotta just come prepared and it's all going to come together

What are your personal goals for the 2023 season?

My personal goals are to win the bell from EA to win a city championship get 1 team all state make a run for a state title and break the touchdown record of 27 TD in a snz.

Looking at your Hudl page, you are listed as a quarterback and a running back. Of the two positions, which one do you feel you are best at?

I feel I'm better at Quarterback because I been playing it for so long running back it just comes from me always having the ball and running but I can sit in the pocket and deliver

What do you feel you need to improve on the most at both positions to become a more dynamic player?

I need to improve my speed and strength and be able to read defense a little more and work on my mechanics

What is the toughest part of a Walnut Ridge practice?

The toughest part of a walnut ridge practice is whenever we run the hill

With the Columbus City League playing on Thursday, Saturday, and Saturday nights as well as on the regular Friday nights, how hard is it on you as far as trying to get into a regular routine?

I believe all our games are on Friday but if it does change I will be able to adjust,though my pregame never changes been doing it ever since I was little

Where do you think the state finals should be held?

I think it should be held at the Ohio State

Who is the team you most want to beat this season?

Eastmoor Academy. For the bell

As an athlete, what has been the best advice you have ever been given when it comes to sports, along with the person who gave you the advice?

The best advice I have gotten was actually from Braxton Miller he told me no matter how hard it is or what people think to keep going and believe in
my self at whatever I choose to do

What is your favorite class or subject?
Science

Who is your favorite all-time athlete?

Cam Newton

What was the last book that you read?

Diary of wimpy kid