CRESTVIEW — This time a year ago, Marcus Mobley was nowhere to be found on the Crestview High School football team's depth chart. He wasn’t even on the team.
As last year's spring practice ended, Mobley and his brother, Capri Jones, were on Pensacola High School's team. Their mother accepted a job in Ohio last summer and they moved to Crestview to live with a relative.
'A BIG ROLLER COASTER'
The brothers, who joined the Bulldogs before the 2014 season, quickly made their mark.
Mobley established himself as a reliable running back and was among the team's leading rushers.
Still, the rising senior said, adapting to his new surroundings took some time.
“It was a like a big roller coaster that I didn’t know how to take a hold of,” he said. “I tried to slow the form down, but it didn’t turn out like I wanted it to turn out. But I can’t complain.”
Mobley said getting used to new teammates, coaches and a new playbook was quite an experience.
“It was a big factor in my life because we were moving and I had a lot going on with my mom,” he said. “It really helped me down the line. I just prayed, and it turned out for the better.”
'JUST A GOOD KID'
Last year, most of Mobley's playing time was at running back, but the speedy 5-foot-9, 170 pounder will be used primarily on defense this year as a defensive back and linebacker. He’ll play some offense, too.
Bulldog Coach Tim Hatten said he is glad to have a player with Mobley’s talent on the squad, and plans to use him in a variety of ways.
“He’s playing a little bit of linebacker and safety,” Hatten said. “He’s going to be a good player for us. He also plays running back and slot receiver.
“He can do a lot of things. As good of a football player that he is, he’s just a good kid. He’s a good kid and fun to be around.
“He works really hard and he’s talented as well.”
'A LEADER ON DEFENSE’
The move to defense suits Mobley just fine.
“I feel better on the defense because I feel like I have a better impact on the defense than on the offense,” he said. “I love (playing for defensive coordinator Thomas Grant); he keeps me on my toes.”
Another advantage to being on the defensive side of the ball? It gives Mobley a chance to play alongside his brother in the Bulldog secondary.
“I like it because we started playing football in the ninth grade and we always wanted to play football together,” Mobley said. “It happens that we are on the same side and I’m excited.”
Hatten isn’t worried about Mobley, whatever position he might be playing. “We just want him to play hard,” Hatten said. “We just want him to play his position, play like he’s coached and he’ll be fine.
“He’s a good little player and we expect him to be a leader on defense.”
Email News Bulletin Sports Editor Randy Dickson, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Mobley eyed to help Crestview defense