Senior Spotlight: Marcus Anderson is the heart of the Bulldogs' O-line

Editor’s note: This is a weekly series dedicated to highlighting local senior athletes.

SANDPOINT — Names and faces on the Bulldogs’ offensive line have changed over the past few years, but the one constant has been senior Marcus Anderson.

As a sophomore, Marcus started on varsity at center for seven games. The following year he moved to right tackle and this season he has filled the spot at left tackle.

Marcus has spent his whole playing career on the O-line. The position doesn’t come with a lot of notoriety and it can sometimes be a thankless job, but that doesn’t bother him because, at the end of day all that he cares about is ringing the Victory Bell.

“On the team you don’t feel like that at all,” he said. “The team obviously appreciates you and that’s really what’s important.”

His dad, Luke Anderson, said Marcus understands his role on the team and puts his best foot forward every time he steps on the field.

“It’s not the flashiest position,” Luke said, “but it’s super important and without it, the whole thing falls apart.”

Marcus grew up just outside Salt Lake City, Utah, and in second grade he and his cousin decided to take up football thinking it would be fun. Marcus enjoyed watching the sport on TV, so he figured why not give it a shot and he quickly became attached to it.

“I love the camaraderie,” he said. “I love the brotherhood you feel in football and I love to win. The feeling of winning a football game is unlike anything else that I’ve ever experienced.”

At 6-foot-2, Marcus has always been bigger than most of his classmates so he naturally gravitated toward being on the O-line.

Luke said he was a bit surprised that Marcus developed a passion for football so early in life because the aggressiveness the sport requires just isn’t in his nature.

“In his first year his coach's feedback was, ‘I got the best things to say about your son, the only criticism I have is that he’s so nice,’” Luke said.

Football isn’t the only sport Marcus has played over the years. In fact, he’s tried just about everything else. From soccer to basketball to lacrosse to track, Marcus has done it all and Luke gave credit to his wife, Lisa, for encouraging their son to get involved in so many things.

Marcus and his family moved to Sandpoint midway through his eighth grade year. Luke said growing up Marcus was usually the only player on his team that could snap the ball to the quarterback, so he spent most of his time at center. His ability to play the position allowed him to see early playing time on varsity at SHS.

Marcus said he’s built a special bond with his teammates on the O-line.

“It’s the five of us, it’s our unit and we’re super close,” he said. “We’re really playing for each other and I like that.”

Marcus has also seen some playing time on the defensive line this season.

With three years under his belt, Marcus knows the Bulldogs’ scheme like the back of his hand. This year, Sandpoint has two sophomores starting on the O-line and Marcus said he’s tried to take them under his wing and share his knowledge of the system with them as best he can.

Marcus admitted it’s been challenging navigating all the obstacles the coronavirus has thrown the Bulldogs’ way, but he said it’s worth it because he’s got to watch the team grow.

“You can see huge leaps and bounds from the time we first walked into the weight room this summer all the way to now,” he said. “We’ve just gotten so much better ... I just like seeing that.”

Sports have certainly played a big part in Marcus’ life, but Luke said he’s much more than an athlete. He’s a role model to others, a soundboard for his friends and a great leader on-and-off the field, Luke said.

“I think his commitment in all the things that he does makes him a really well-rounded individual,” he said.

Outside of sports, Marcus loves to go water skiing and mountain biking. For right now, he isn’t planning on continuing football after high school, but if an opportunity arises he’ll consider it.

Marcus is looking at attending Brigham Young University in Utah, and has some interest in pursuing a career in finance or software, but he wants to get to Provo and see where life takes him from there.

Marcus plans on taking in every moment one at a time as he nears the end of his high school football career. During his 10 years playing the sport, Marcus’ parents have been there with him every step of the way and he said their support has meant the world to him.

Luke said they’ve enjoyed being a part of Marcus’ football journey and they will miss it when it’s gone.

“It’s been fantastic to see him get out there [this fall],” Luke said. “Seeing him shine just the way he does so well has been super thrilling for both his mom and I.”

Luke can’t wait to see what the future holds for his son.

“I couldn’t be more proud of my son,” he said. He’s a tremendous example to me and a great friend, and I’m thrilled with the decisions he’s made and the direction he’s going … If everybody could be like Marcus we’d have a fantastic world.”