Marcus Goree brings athleticism and leadership to Tennessee
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (BVM) — Marcus Goree is one of the best football players in East Tennessee. He is an SEC commit and is listed as a four-star recruit on On3. Yet, he does not like to boast about all of his accomplishments.
New #Tennessee commit Marcus Goree is that guy.
— Evan Crowell (@evanvcrowell) February 19, 2023
The Bradley Central High School senior always catches the attention with his on-the-field play, but he is very laid back and humble off of it.
“He’s not a spotlight guy,” Bradley Central assistant head coach Brett Standifer said. “He just wants to show up and play ball.”
This has always been the case for the star defensive back.
From the day he joined the football program as a freshman, there was something different about Goree. He had a different want-to and tick about him, and when that was paired with his elite athleticism, it was clear that big things were in store for him.
Tennessee commit Marcus Goree Jr. with the fourth down stop to end Alcoa drive in red zone. pic.twitter.com/F2o39wYLCD
— Patrick MacCoon (@PMacCoon) August 3, 2023
The college offers began rolling in not too long after from schools like Alabama, Michigan and Notre Dame.
Goree announced his commitment to in-state Tennessee on Feb. 18.
Home sweet home to mee🍊‼️ #committed #rockytop #gbo pic.twitter.com/uACCjI7nhR
— Marcus Goree Jr. (@marcusgoree_2) February 19, 2023
“They had a really good connection with my family,” Goree said. “Our relationship with Coach (Josh) Heupel and Coach (Willie) Martinez was great.”
The Bears are not only sending Goree to Knoxville though as teammate Boo Carter will be joining him there. Carter transferred into Bradley Central this summer, but Goree was already very familiar with the other Chattanooga-area standout.
“It’s gonna be fun,” Goree said. “I’ve played with him a lot, so it’s nothing really new.”
Bradley Central DB Marcus Goree Jr. with a tackle for loss on Baylor’s star RB Caleb Hampton first play of scrimmage. #BestofPreps pic.twitter.com/12wEIhzvVT
— Patrick MacCoon (@PMacCoon) July 29, 2022
Goree is in his final season as Bear, but one big difference is that this year he is serving as a captain. He represents Bradley Central as one of its leaders, and for a team that is so close with one another, Goree views the opportunity as his biggest achievement thus far in his football career.
“The team is a family,” Goree said. “We all work together during the offseason and we train together.”
“It’s pretty telling how Marcus is,” Coach Standifer added.
As far as long-term goals, Goree keeps it simple: to top their 7-4 record from last season. With Bradley Central off to a 4-0 start, it is well on its way to a big season in Goree’s final campaign.
“Marcus is a good one,” Coach Standifer said. “The only bad thing about him is that we only have one more year with him. We’re trying to make it a special one.”
