Mark Maycock III isn’t your average football player. With a relentless work ethic, a mature sense of time management, and the ambition to become one of the top running backs and linebackers in the nation, Mark approaches every day with purpose. Whether he’s up early to finish schoolwork, grinding through weight training after practice, or sharpening his football IQ, he’s constantly finding ways to level up. Despite a tough setback last season due to injury, Mark is more motivated than ever to come back stronger, dominate on both sides of the ball, and earn his shot at playing Division I football — and ultimately, making it to the NFL.

How do you balance training with academics and personal life?
Balancing training with academics and personal life takes discipline. I start my homework as soon as I get home from school because I have a short window before I have to go to practice. Whatever I don’t finish during that time, I wake up early in the morning to complete, since I work out after football practice. I balance my personal life by managing my schedule and using my off days to spend quality time with my family.

Are you attending any camps or combines to gain exposure?
I plan to attend camps and combines in the fall to gain more exposure.

Who do you train with during the off-season? Do you have a mentor or trainer?
During the off-season, I train with Coach Jerry Seymour at The Running Back Academy and also with my dad.

How are you staying in shape during the off-season?
My training includes lifting weights, drills, cardio, and calisthenics to stay in shape.

What specific goals have you set for yourself before next season?
Before next season, I’ve set goals to continue getting stronger, improve my football IQ, and become one of the best running backs and linebackers in the nation.

Are you working on any particular skills or techniques right now?
Right now, I’m focusing specifically on improving my pad level and developing better vision on the field.

What part of your game do you think improved most last season?
The biggest improvement I noticed in my game last season was my ability to find the cutback alley.

What lessons did you take away from last season?
I learned some important lessons last season, including how injuries can happen at any moment and the importance of staying humble.

Is there a moment from last season that stands out to you?
One moment that stands out to me from last season was breaking my elbow while trying to stop someone from scoring a touchdown.

What motivates you to keep pushing during the off-season?
What keeps me motivated during the off-season is knowing that I compete against nationally ranked teams and that my last season was cut short. I’m working hard to make up for the time I lost and to become the best running back in the nation so I can get noticed.

How do you stay mentally sharp and focused when games aren’t being played?
To stay mentally sharp and focused when games aren’t being played, I visualize and mentally rehearse what I plan to do on different plays.

What kind of diet or nutrition plan are you following now?
My current diet includes a lot of protein and vegetables, and I recently started drinking protein shakes after workouts.

Are you watching or studying any pro or college players for inspiration?
I study several pro and college players for inspiration, including Adrian Peterson, Reggie Bush, Leonard Fournette, and Shaquille Leonard.

What’s your favorite part about football that keeps you coming back?
My favorite parts about football are the contact, scoring touchdowns, and dominating my opponents.

How do you deal with pressure and expectations from coaches or peers?
When it comes to pressure and expectations from coaches or peers, I take it all in and let it fuel me to get better.

Are there any teammates you think will have a breakout season next year?
One teammate I believe will have a breakout season next year is Twan.

What college or post-high school football goals do you have?
My goal is to play for a great Division I college, earn a starting spot at my position, and eventually make it to the NFL.

Have you been contacted by any recruiters or started thinking about your next steps?
Yes, I’ve already been contacted by recruiters and have started thinking about my next steps.

What are you most excited about for the upcoming season?
I’m most excited about being part of a winning team this upcoming season, dominating from my position, and gaining more visibility.

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