Marvin Conley – Cornerback – Senior – West Florida
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Marvin Conley: 5’9, 181 from the National Bowl and 4.48.
Alex Khvatov: Where will you be training for the NFL Draft?
Marvin Conley: Pro Sports Institute in Huntington Beach, CA. My buddies in the league trained there. LA Chargers players train there. I graduate this Saturday. I plan on going to the Tropical Bowl. My agent has been talking to them.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall experience at the National Bowl all-star game in Daytona Beach, FL.
Marvin Conley: It was great to get out there and compete with different guys from across the country. I played for some coaches that already coach in pro style leagues. I played in a different defense. I haven’t competed in front of scouts before.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest thing that you will take away from that weekend?
Marvin Conley: Always be prepared. Be in top shape. Always work when no one is looking. Be better than you were yesterday.
Alex Khvatov: Who was the best player that you have faced at the National Bowl?
Marvin Conley: I played on the same team with #52 LB from PACE College (Brenton Allen).
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in
you?
Marvin Conley: My whole senior year, I was committed to Florida A&M. But they pulled my offer two days before. I got a walk on offer from South Carolina State. I was also looking at D-III schools. One of my teammates was going to Valley City State in North Dakota. I decided to go there. I played one season and left in the spring.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you decide to transfer to the University of West Florida?
Marvin Conley: At first, North Dakota is far from home. It is cold every day. Head coach at West Florida presented with a great opportunity. It was a start up program. I liked the idea of a new university. I could come back to Florida. My mom can see me play.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Marvin Conley: I am very physical. I have great ball skills, great feet, instincts and football IQ.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Marvin Conley: Improve on everything. Mostly getting my hips more flexible and get faster.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career.
Marvin Conley: When I first got there, we just practiced. We didn’t have any games at first. It was a new program. I played CB that first season. I had four INT’s that first year. We went 5-6 that year. It was an alright season. My redshirt junior year, I was a corner for five games. Then I moved to FS the rest of the way. I was first team all-region and conference. I had four INT’s and two returned for a TD. I also had two forced fumbles, eight PBU’s and 104 tackles. I led the conference in tackles. I was second team All-American. We went 11-4 and lost to Texas A&M Commerce in the Championship game in the second year for the program. I was a Cliff Harris nominee. I played majority at safety my senior year. I played some corner in dime packages. I had 75 tackles, four INT’s, nine PBU’s, one forced fumble and two recovered fumbles. I was first team all-conference. We had a 6-5 record my senior year.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Marvin Conley: Championship run. It was a great experience. I have never been to the championship even in high school. It was a great season.
Alex Khvatov: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?
Marvin Conley: Always be respectful and be the best. Keep pushing. It is never over. You should have faith in yourself and your teammates.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Marvin Conley: Indianapolis Colts. When I was little, I liked Marvin Harrison and Peyton. They were my favorite players.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Marvin Conley: I will go with Andrew Luck. He is on my team.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a CB?
Marvin Conley: Confidence. You have to have that swag. It takes you a long way.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the offense?
Marvin Conley: As safety, I am looking at the OL and at the number two receiver and at the QB. As a corner, if I am in man coverage, I am looking at the hips of the WR. I am matching his hips, hands and feet. I am looking at his alignment.
Alex Khvatov: What underclassmen on your team should we keep an eye on
next season?
Marvin Conley: #2 LB Andre Duncombe, LB Martes Wheeler and WR Tate Lehtio. He has sure hands. He doesn’t drop anything.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the toughest player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Marvin Conley: QB #18 (Layton Rabb) from Midwestern State. We played him last year.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Marvin Conley: It’s fun. Going out there and getting interceptions. I love having the ball in my hands. I am a ball-hawk.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your biggest role model and why?
Marvin Conley: My mother. She has always been there for me. She raised me by herself. She is the reason why I keep going.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Marvin Conley: I like to watch movies, play video games and work out.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football
career is over?
Marvin Conley: Get into acting. Maybe a TV show host on ESPN.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest lesson that you have learned in life so far?
Marvin Conley: The biggest thing is having faith in yourself. Never give up. Always trust in God. I have been down a lot, but I get up.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Marvin Conley: Determined, humble, confident, savvy and smart.
Alex Khvatov: Who will win the National Championship in CFB this year?
Marvin Conley: I have to say Clemson. They have the same DL from last year. QB Trevor Lawrence is playing lights out right now. They have nice receivers. Dabo is a great coach.
Alex Khvatov: Who will win Super Bowl LIII in February?
Marvin Conley: I was so sold on the Rams before. Now I will go with the Saints. They had only one bad game.
