Marcus Mbow Interview: 'I Want To Be Considered Great' (Interviews)
Interviews

Marcus Mbow Interview: 'I Want To Be Considered Great'

Alex Martin/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK
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Purdue offensive tackle Marcus Mbow has been one of the nation's most improved offensive line prospects. Mbow is in terrific form four games into the new campaign after a season-ending injury cut his 2023 season short. He's currently the No. 66 overall player in our latest Draft Network Top 100 rankings.

Mbow recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Mbow discussed returning from last season’s injury, playing both tackle and guard, his favorite plays to run in the playbook, and more.

JM: We're four games into the 2024 season. Which areas of Marcus Mbow’s game have grown the most from last year to this year?

Marcus Mbow: I’m a much more technically advanced blocker nowadays. I’ve cleaned some things up and it's popped on tape. I’d also say I’m more athletic. My athleticism has definitely taken a step forward. I’m moving better, moving faster. I’m playing under control with better balance.

JM: Last season was cut short to six games due to injury. What did that do to your motivation entering this season?

Marcus Mbow: It weighed heavily on me. That was the first time I’ve ever been injured in my entire life. I learned a lot from it. I think mentally, it put me in a place that I needed to be. I grew from that experience. I worked as hard as I could every single day to get back to where I’m at now.

JM: What kept you mentally strong through your time on the sideline? Like you said, it was your first injury.

Marcus Mbow: My goals and ambition kept me strong. Football means the world to me. I know how badly I want to make it to the next level. I want to be an all-time great at what I do. Those goals stayed in my mind the entire time I was working back from injury. I never let it phase me.

JM: We love that. You've played some right guard in the past, but you're really thriving at right tackle this season. Which position feels most natural to you?

Marcus Mbow: Honestly, I feel pretty good at both tackle and guard. I will say tackle probably feels a little more natural to me. I think I can showcase my athleticism at tackle. I can get out in space, which I love doing. I feel perfectly fine at both positions though.

JM: Which position do you see yourself playing at the next level?

Marcus Mbow: I don’t even know. That’s the honest truth. I’ve heard mixed feedback from all kinds of sources. There doesn’t seem to be one consensus. I’m happy to play whenever I’m needed. I just want to play. I’ll be out there on the field either way.

JM: You play every snap with an infectious amount of energy. We believe that rubs off on your teammates. It's something we've noticed on tape. Where does that come from?

Marcus Mbow: I have a mindset that refuses to lose. That’s probably where that comes from. I really want to be considered great no matter what. I’m willing to do whatever it takes. If that means playing with energy until the final snap no matter what the score is, then that’s what I’m going to do.

I’m always trying to put good things on tape. I want to be the best player I can be at all times. 

JM: What's your favorite play to run in the playbook?

Marcus Mbow: I love a good screen play. I love when we execute that at a high level. That allows me to block in space and really get out there on the move. Those are some of my favorite things to do.

JM: Who are some of the best pass rushers Marcus Mbow has faced to date?

Marcus Mbow: Over time, my guy Nic Scourton used to be here. He’s at Texas A&M now. Mazi Smith comes to mind. This season, I liked No. 17 on Wisconsin [Darryl Peterson]. No. 5 on Notre Dame [Boubacar Traore] was pretty solid as well. 

JM: That’s a solid list. What's the best game Marcus Mbow has played in a Purdue jersey to date and why?

Marcus Mbow: I played quite well against Iowa last season. The game I got hurt in, I was playing pretty well. I’d also mention the Big Ten Championship Game against Michigan. I feel like I was putting defenders on the ground. I played hard and physical.

JM: We've appreciated your time. What are your goals for the remainder of this season?

Marcus Mbow: We want to win as many games as possible at Purdue this season. I’m going to continue putting my best foot forward by playing the best football I can play. I’m going to be there for my teammates. I always want to be the best player on the field.

We’re going to continue elevating our program at the end of the day. 



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