After interviewing so many players over the
past six years, you can start to tell what guys have faced adversity and
matured and what players still do not get it. My initial impression right out of the
gate of Marcus Sales was of a mature young married man who understands the
great opportunity in front of him, and he is ready to do whatever it takes to
achieve his ultimate goal.
Footballdialogue:
What are your official size, weight and speed?
Marcus:
I am 6’0” 195 pounds and run a 4.5 forty.
Footballdialogue:
I know you have been training at Total Athletic Performance (TAP) with speed
coach Derek Touchette. How is that going?
Marcus: It is going really good. I’ve been working on technique and my
confidence is really growing, only wish I have been doing this stuff all
throughout my career.
Footballdialogue:
What has been the most surprising thing you have learned about yourself while
at TAP?
Marcus:
I have seen a lot of improvement across the board, but especially on my 40
times. All the speed
training has been great.
Footballdialogue:
You had a very productive senior season
with 64 receptions and 8 touchdowns. Is there any one game or one moment
that stands out from this season?
Marcus: The game this year against South Florida when
we came back and won the game was something I’ll never forget. I was shutout in the first half, but
got it going in the second half. I
finished with nine receptions but much more importantly, we won the game.
Footballdialogue: Have any SU former teammates or alumni
giving you some idea of what to expect over the next six months?
Marcus: I’ve spoken to some friends that I played with
like Antwon Bailey and Jo Lonn Dunbar, and they have shared their
experiences.
Footballdialogue: Being from Syracuse, it probably was an
easy decision to stay and play there. With that said, what other schools
made offers for your talents?
Marcus: I had offers from University of Miami, Virginia,
Louisville, Pittsburgh, North Carolina and Syracuse. The three that pursued me the heaviest
were Syracuse, North Carolina and Pittsburgh.
Footballdialogue: I read you are following the same
program as Hakeem Nicks did when training under Touchette. Have you had
the chance to speak to Hakeem at all?
Marcus: We keep missing each other. He is coming to Florida next week and
I’m leaving. We do plan to
meet up down the road.
Footballdialogue: If a scout were to ask you for a game
film of you at your best what game would you give him?
Marcus: I would say Kansas State in 2010
Footballdialogue:
What would you say to NFL teams if they were to ask you about the 2011 drug
charges that were subsequently dropped?
