While a move from Central Florida to Central Colorado can't be thought of as anything less than a culture shock, Dr. Phillips High School linebacker Marquis Hood isn't too concerned about not knowing anyone when he starts school at Colorado State next fall.

Hood will be one of four Dr. Phillips High School graduates in Fort Collins, joining current Ram quarterback Nico Raineri and his classmates Marvin Ford and Charles Favors in Larimer County, Colorado.

"I talk to the coaches and I tell them we are excited to get to Dr. Phillips University," Hood said with a laugh. "It's going to be fun."

The commitment by Favors last week was a surprise announcement for most, but Hood said it was one he was expecting. Hood said he was excited to read the news that Favors had committed as well as the fact he will now get to play with his partner from the Dr. Phillips defense.

"I knew he (Favors) was going to do it (commit to Colorado State), but when I saw on the computer that he committed and I was like, 'dang.'" I saw him the next day and just said, 'lets get ready.'

"We are perfect fit," Hood added. "I know things that he is good at and we can just say little things to each other and we know what is going to happen."

Last season Favors accounted for 132 tackles, two passes broken up and three fumbles caused. Hood complimented Favors by collecting 103 stops, six tackles for a loss and two fumble recoveries. This season Hood was named Dr. Phillips Player of the Week twice as well as a trip to the Orange County All-Star Game. The result for Dr. Phillips High School was an 11-1 record and a Florida State Playoff run, which ended in a five overtime game. Both are ranked three-star prospects by Rivals.com.

In talking to Hood, it doesn't take long to understand his emphasis on hard work. He said his first job was cutting grass because his hard work was rewarded with cash. Some of the biggest influences in his life have been coaches because they have showed him the value of hard work. While the reward of his hard work in high school has been big wins and a college scholarship, he has also seen hard work take a family member to the next level.

"My cousin is Phillip Buchannan," Hood said. "He played for Miami and now he is in the NFL playing with Detroit. We talk on Facebook all the time. He told me to stay focused and take care of school. He is a very hard worker."

Hood, who said his favorite food is lasagna, said he is also going to use his hard work as a way to get him out of Orlando.

"The good things are the streets I stay on are a bunch of old people who are peaceful and all that," Hood said. "I just want to get out and leave. I am sure I'll miss the weather, but I can't wait to get to Fort Collins."

Hood visited Colorado State last Sept. and committed to Colorado State on Oct. 23. After the visit, he mentioned he was impressed with the atmosphere of Fort Collins, the fan base and the fact there were several prospects and players from Central Florida playing at Colorado State. His recruiting contact at Colorado State has been CSU Offensive Line Coach Pat Meyer. Meyer and CSU Head Coach Steve Fairchild have since stayed in contact with Hood and it was one of the reasons Hood said he has stayed solid with his commitment to Colorado State.

"The coaches first of all," Hood said. "They are real good coaches. They are real, unlike some coaches. I guess I feel like they will teach me the best way. I like the school and the weather will be different, but I am ready to experience that."

With a pipeline from Dr. Phillips High School and the Orlando-area now established, Hood said he has begun telling members of a very talented Junior class at Dr. Phillips about CSU.

"I've already talked to them (Juniors) and tried to pitch it to them and tell them they will have a very good experience," Hood said. "I've already talked to a bunch of my friends about it."

...More... To continue reading this article you must be a member. Sign Up Now for a FREE Trial