New year, new Marques Skinner.
There’s not much about 2026 that rings the same as it did in 2025. His attitude, his shape — heck, even his position on the field have undergone renovations ahead of the new season.
The 6-foot-3, 255-pound senior at Riverside finishes practice on a blazing hot Tuesday afternoon. He’s about an inch taller and 20 pounds lighter and leaner than his junior season for the Warriors.
But perhaps even more noticeable than the measurable differences? Skinner seems looser, more relaxed. A new season brings new opportunities, and he’s ready to fully embrace them.
“This year, I’m just looking to be more of an athlete,” said Skinner. “I want to show people and show these schools looking at me what I can do in different areas of the field.”
And how exactly will that look for Skinner as a senior? What does that mean for the 3-star recruit who had previously played almost exclusively as an offensive tackle?
It means adding a new position to his arsenal: tight end.
“There’s a lot that went into the decision, but ultimately, it’s something I have confidence in my personal ability that I can do,” said Skinner. “It came about because I knew playing Division 1 football at my height and size as an offensive lineman would be tough. I knew I had the resources I needed to play tight end.”
Skinner already had the blocking ability that came from playing on the offensive line. So this summer, he spent days on end in the gym. Heavy cardio was largely the name of the game.
“This summer, it was every day I was working out hard,” said Skinner. “Whether on my own or with a personal trainer, I was working. And when I was working out, I’d usually wear a hoodie or some extra clothing just to sweat more and burn as many calories as possible.”
Skinner consistently trains at Hillcrest football head coach Amos Lamb’s Train Built Performance facility, one of the premier training locations for Upstate HS and college athletes.
But Skinner had a little extra help this offseason, too. He’d also taken occasional visits to Lexington, Kentucky, and work out with his older brother Mikkel — a college football tight end for the SEC’s Wildcats.
"I've seen [Marques] put in the work and go out and lift early in the morning, lifting a little extra," said Mikkel, a former 4-star WR at Riverside. "His journey has barely even started yet. He's trusting the process that comes with switching positions. I can't wait to see the results."
All of the offseason work has led to a rejuvenated Marques, who’s set to make his season debut this week against Boiling Springs.
Riverside head coach Matt Rochester, who’s coached Marques since the beginning of his high school career, has seen a huge leap from his senior standout as a leader.
“[Marques] has matured a lot this offseason. He’s grown as a young man,” said Rochester. “It’s hard for a high school kid like him getting D-1 offers and attention to always remember that it’s about the team. But he’s done a great job of remembering that this summer and heading into this season. I’m really, really proud of him for that.”
Marques — who holds Division 1 offers from Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, and more — will play both tight end and defensive end this season. He’s set goals for himself at both positions.
“On offense, I’m aiming for somewhere in the range of 400 yards and six touchdowns,” said Skinner. “And on the defensive line, I want about 10 sacks to 30-35 tackles this season. Hopefully, in doing that, more coaches will notice me and I’ll get that fourth star as a recruit.”
Skinner impressed during 7-on-7s over the summer at his new TE position.
The biggest goal Marques has set for his senior season can’t be found on a stat sheet, however. It’s a goal that doesn’t show up on the scoreboard or in the numbers.
“Discipline for myself and for ourselves as a team,” said Skinner. “That’s what I think is going to be most important to our success. Last season, I feel like we weren’t disciplined and we were in a bad mindset as a team. Turning against each other sometimes.
“I feel like this year, if we stay disciplined and work together, we can really make a run.”
For more coverage of Greer-area athletics, follow @GreerNewsSports on X and GreerNews.com - Sports on Facebook. Skinner is Greer-area Football Player Profile No. 7 of 10.
