Simply put, Ben Marcus has a lot to offer an institution and college football program. He has started and been a key contributor for one of the state's best teams in Illinois, he carries a 4.0 GPA and 32 on the ACT, and has had a great example of success playing football with his older brother, Nathan, a projected starter at tight end for Vanderbilt University this fall as a red-shirt sophomore.
Before we get too far ahead, though, Marcus is enjoying his high school experience.
"There's a group of around 10 of us who have been playing together year in and year out since youth football," said Marcus. "We are a really close group and have built strong friendships. In youth football, we won two Super Bowls in the Bill George Youth Football League. We didn't get the start we wanted as a freshman team starting high school but we have rebounded and are gearing up to return Glenbard West to the state championship this fall. There is nothing better than spending our Friday nights together and having an opportunity to play in front of our parents and fans."
Since youth football, Marcus has always been one of the fastest kids on the team which usually found him playing running back and linebacker. Entering high school, he made the transition to safety.
"I was considered the big hitter in my class and they felt I could make more of an impact from safety so that is where I started out my freshman year," continued Marcus. "Our freshman team did not meet normal expectations as we finished 6-3 and we were blown out in first game 40-0. It really led us as a group to be more dedicated and more driven. Following the season, we really put in more time and effort in our preparation to get back to Glenbard West standards."
"We returned our sophomore season on the sophomore team and finished with an 8-1 record. Our only defeat was a very close loss to Wheaton Warrenville South. During my sophomore season, I was asked to suit up for varsity and saw action on special teams. I came in for a series or two at safety at the end of the varsity season."
Entering his junior season, Marcus was slated to return to linebacker and was named a varsity starter entering fall camp.
"It was my spot to lose," shared Marcus. "I had much better ability to read plays, a much better understanding of what the offense was trying to do, how to read my keys, and physically I was able to react much quicker to the ball. I played the "WILL" position in our defense at five-foot-eleven, 170-pounds. I was a little timid and felt overwhelmed in our first game but came around following that game. I played under much better control and really settled into the position. We reached the state semi-finals and lost to Lake Zurich."
This fall, Marcus will return to strong safety where he believes his skill set is best suited. He currently stands at six-foot and weighs 185-pounds.
"My athletic ability, speed, and size are better suited at strong safety," explained Marcus. "I can effectively come down in run support and make plays at the line of scrimmage. I also have improved greatly with my ability to cover in space. This summer; with the college camps I attend; I will work out at strong safety."
Marcus has already camped at Miami(OH) where he received praise from their staff, as well, as from the staff at Butler University and Denison University. He attended the Brown two-day camp this past weekend and also plans to attend the New England Elite Football Clinic this week and Penn's one-day camp in July. He has left the end of July open for potential camps. To this point, he has received interest from a variety of high-level programs, in addition, to top academic Division II and Division III programs.
No matter where he ends up in college, Marcus has already seen the recruiting process up close and personal and is well prepared for what he will face in college.
"I definitely noticed all the work my older brother, Nathan, had to put in to become the prospect he became," said Marcus. "I actually went on a couple unofficial visits with him where he was offered a scholarship so that was a real unique experience. I'm looking for a college that will challenge me academically and athletically. If I don't reach as a high of a level as Nathan, I will be OK as long as I know I am being challenged in both areas."
