NM- What position(s) are you being recruited for?
MB- I am being recruited as an outside linebacker and defensive end edge rusher.
NM- What have you been doing this offseason as far as working out and staying in shape? I know Covid-19 really has made it hard on everyone in society. What have you been working on to stay in shape for your upcoming season?
MB- Well, I do a 3 mile run every morning to stay in shape. Of course, I’ve been hitting the weights as well. My uncle has a vertimax machine for me to use to keep my speed up to date as well.
NM- Awesome good to hear you have access to all that equipment. What coaches have you been in contact with here at the University Of Cincinnati?
MB- I’m being recruited by the defensive backs coach, Perry Eliano.
NM- Awesome have you been able to visit UC yet?
MB- Not yet, but hopefully I will be able to come this summer for a visit.
NM- Hopefully we’d love to have you up here! What are your goals and plans for your upcoming season and the rest of your high school career at IMG? What’s it like playing at the powerhouse of football in Florida?
MB- A few of my goals are: To raise my numbers (stats) even higher. Last year I had 14 sacks as a freshman and I’m pushing for 20 sacks this season. Another goal is to just help my team in any way possible to make it to the national championship and win. For the rest of my career some goals I have are to just be the best teammate/brother to my teammates and continue to make history. Playing for a powerhouse school like IMG Academy it’s amazing, you’re basically playing the best competition and it’s very exciting to be apart of. It’s getting me prepared mentally, physically for life and college.
NM- Awesome that’s a good answer. Tallying 14 sacks your freshman year is very impressive. What are your favorite defensive schemes to play in or that you feel like you excel at the most?
MB- I’m very efficient and violent in a 3-4 as an edge rusher, but I’m very versatile and flexible where I can become a traditional outside linebacker in a 3-4 or even as a traditional defensive end in a 3-4.
NM- Who are some of the current or former players In the NFL that you model you model/compare your game to and why?
MB- I compare my game to 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa because his ability to get off the line more explosive than most defensive ends in the NFL, his speed and power is tremendous. Another player I compare my game to is Ray Lewis and his ability to read and react quickly, the way he just studied the game of football so much. He is who I try to compare myself to.
NM- Awesome both great players! Bosa destroyed his rookie season. Lewis is for sure one of the best linebackers of all time. How would you personally describe your game on the field?
MB- I would describe my game very unique, no matter how much a team studies me on film I Look at it like a chess game. You won’t ever know what my next move will be because I will change it up and play it strategically.
NM- Awesome that’s all I have for you. Thanks for taking the time to sit down. Hope nothing, but the best for you in the future and to stay healthy during this pandemic!
