East County Athlete of the Week: Marvin Palominos

Marvin Palominos is a rising senior offensive guard on The Out-of-Door Academy football team. Palominos, who is 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds, is a key to the Thunder's success in the running game, according to Head Coach Rob Hollway. As of June 28, Palominos is being recruited by Wabash College, Centre College, Hampden-Sydney College, Albion College and Denison University. 

When did you start playing football?

I started for real in the seventh grade. A bunch of my friends told me I had the size to play and that I should try out for the school team. After that, my passion kept growing. Around my freshman year, I decided I wanted to stick to it with the goal of playing in college. 

What is the appeal to you?

I like the culture. Our team is a family. We look out for each other and we have fun together. That was a big reason we won the (Sunshine State Athletic Association Class 4A) championship this year. 

What is your best skill?

Pulling. I'm good at blocking in space. My pass protection is also good because I have good vision. 

What have you been working to improve?

I am trying to get more explosive and faster. I already have strength, but speed is something college coaches want. 

What is your favorite football memory?

When I scored my first touchdown (against All Saints' Academy) in the playoffs this year. We installed the play the day before the game. The coaches had me line up at running back. It was a run to the right and everyone was blocking for me. It was a big surprise. Luckily I scored when we ran the play. It was from the 3-yard line. I just pushed it in.

What has the recruiting process been like?

It has been great. I want to go to a good college with a good program. Besides football, I want to pursue medical school, in case football is not something that is meant to be in terms of becoming a professional athlete. So to get all these offers, to be wanted by coaches, is a great feeling for me and my family. 

What are your goals for the 2024 season?

Well, I'm going to be playing on both sides of the ball this year. I've always done it a little, but our coaches usually keep me on the sidelines (on defense) because of the impact I have on the offense. This year though, I talked with my coaches and told them I wanted to step up on defense. It will be more tiring, but I know I can do it. So I would like to average a sack or a tackle for loss per game on that side of things. 

What is your favorite food?

My family makes pozole, which is a stew with beef and hominy corn and other things. 

What is your favorite TV show?

Right now, it would probably be "Suits."

Why do you want to go to medical school?

I'm a big science and math guy, and I have seen how hospitals work in movies and TV shows. I feel like I would be good in those situations. 

What are your hobbies?

I play saxophone for my school and I also play guitar on my own. I like to hang out with friends and go to PopStroke. 

What is the best advice you have received?

My coaches say that if you want something in life, you should go and take it. That is 100% true. You might have to work for it, but in the end, you will get what you want. 

Finish this sentence: "Marvin Palominos is …"

Enthusiastic and charming. I'm an outgoing person.