Mark Dodd was one of only two kids in the Ohio Valley who ventured to participate in Next Level Football’s (NextLevelFootball.net) combine in Massillon, Ohio on January 30th.
Next Level Football President and Combine Director Ryan Nolan was glad Dodd participated. The combine featured more than 200 kids who traveled from as far as Florida, and according to Nolan, none were more impressive than Linsly’s soon to be Junior Mark Dodd.
“He is a player in the valley to keep an eye on the next few seasons. He is only a Sophomore and with 2 years of growth ahead of him, I believe the sky is the limit for Mark.”, said Coach Nolan.
Dodd came into the camp at 218lbs on a 6 foot frame. Once the combine broke into individual drills, thats where the Linsly star started to make a name for himself.
“He had great success in the one on one drills. It really allowed him to showcase his skills. He has great size to be a solid run stopper, but runs well enough to play in space”, said Nolan.
I had a chance to talk with Mark Dodd for a short Q/A session:
Q-What positions do you play?
“Middle Linebacker and Fullback”
Q-What were your stats from last year?
“120 Tackles, 10 Tackles for a loss, 6 sacks, and 1 Forces Fumble.
Q – How did you hear about Next Level Football’s Combine?
“I heard about it from our Coach. A couple other players were going to come up with me, but they had other obligations with other sports so I was the only one from the team able to make it.”
Q- Have you been to any other Camp/Combines?
“Yes. I attended a Nike Camp in Pittsburgh last year when I was a freshman”
Q- How was the Nike camp different from Next Level Football’s?
“Next Level Football had a One on One showcase that I really liked… the Nike Camp didnt have that.”
Q-Do you think the Next Level Football combine benefit you?
“Yes. Seeing and competing against that competition was great.”
Q-How do you think you compared to the other athletes at the Combine?
“I didnt feel bad. I felt like I compared well. I wasnt the biggest or the fastest, but I wasnt bad.”
Q-What are your goals for next season?
“Win more games. Anything else that comes is good, but my main goal is to go undefeated”
Q-If you could choose where you were able to play college ball, where would you want to play?
“Penn State, its close to home, and it would be awesome to be able to play for them.”
Next Level Football will be holding their next combine in Steubenville on April 11. For more information, check out NextLevelFootball.net and sign up. As always, Next Level Football Combines are FREE.
Article by Brian Gossett. Check out the Forum for more information.
