Mitchell County senior Marcus Vicks is off to a great start, helping his team to a 28-14 victory over Lanier County and serving a critical role in the process. Vicks did it all on the field, catching 3 passes for 112 yards along with 10 carries for an additional 133 yards and one more score.
One of those rushes was the highlight of the night for Mitchell County. Starting from around his 20-yard line, Vicks took the ball up the field. He darted around a blocker, then navigated back towards the middle where he stiff-armed a defender, but was held up by several more. A pile ensued, and more players from both teams rallied toward Vicks, who, all the while, continued to drive his legs forward. The pile marched towards the 50-yard line like a magnet. Vicks broke free out of the pile of humanity and raced the final 50 yards before sliding into the end zone in elated exhaustion.
The sideline went wild, players and coaches alike jumped up and down. The play was a deciding factor in Mitchell County’s win that night, and a few days later he was selected part of the top 10 plays of the week. A day later, the Mitchell County community had voted Vicks the top play of the week.
“My first game went great, but the job’s not finished,” Vicks exclaimed.
Going forward, Vicks sets a standard and does so with lofty goals: rushing for 800 yards, 300 receiving yards, and also returning kicks on special teams. He spoke in depth about reaching those aspirations.
“My goals this season are to win every game and leave it all on the field because I don’t get this time back, so I have to enjoy it. Another goal is to win the region! I set myself goals on Thursday so I can accomplish them on Fridays. Also, some more of my goals continue to be a leader, continue to be a student-athlete, and continue to uplift my teammates every day. Have all A’s in the classroom and pass every test and quiz I take because I have to be a student first, then a football player.”
He continued, “I want to be Offensive Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in my region; those are my goals, but I have to earn it and work for it!”
Vicks believes he can play any skill position at the next level. He has several offers from prep programs and also NAIA’s Thomas University.
The 5’8″, 155 lbs. senior athlete is a physical player who instinctually knows where to be on the field. He makes smart cuts reacting to defenders, keeping his pads square upfield, and utilizes his speed to make impact plays. Vicks is a safety valve player for Mitchell County, and his versatility when running routes creates matchup problems. Those quick reactions and excellent field awareness pay dividends on defense, where Vicks steps up to the pass and disrupts the receiver’s catch. Vicks has several impressive defensive stops against Lanier County.
“I can separate myself by just being me; keep the main thing, the main thing, keep my confidence, my work ethic, stay respectful, and it can take me a long way. I take being coachable seriously; I listen, learn, and apply corrections quickly. I’m willing to outwork everyone, whether that’s in the classroom, weight room, or on the field,” Vicks said.
Last, the senior talked about his appreciation for winning Play of the Week, his entire support system, and dedicating the game to his grandma.
“I want to thank God, my mom, and my dad, but also my coaches – without them, nothing is possible. They taught me a lot and how to become a young man. I came a long way as a student-athlete, grown from my mistakes, and become a respectful kid with great relationships with my teachers. My coaches always talk to me about the future—it’s not just about football. Even when times got hard, they were always beside me telling me not to give up. I’m very grateful for them. I dedicate this game to my grandma, because she means the world to me. I play with her around my neck on a necklace; it just keeps me filled with energy, it pushes me to limits I never felt, and it keeps me happy.”
Marcus Vicks’ passion and growth as a student-athlete are showcased throughout this article, and he’s the type of player you can find at the next level. Mitchell County is going to be a player in DII this year, and seniors like Vicks will be a huge factor, so stay tuned to @RecruitGeorgia on Twitter/X to hear the latest on Vicks & be sure to check out his Recruit Georgia Profile.
