Dockery with double duty this fall

Summer two-a-days have begun in the state of Tennessee, symbolizing the beginning of the high school football season. Marquette Dockery of Memphis (Tenn.) Hillcrest is heading into the fall with the knowledge that he had a productive summer behind him. After some strong camp performances, the 6-foot-3, 205-pounder finished the summer without an offer in hand but managed to pique the interest of several major programs.

As a junior, Dockery played primarily quarterback for Hillcrest. However, his size and athleticism make him a great candidate for safety on the next level. He understands that and showcased his defensive abilities in camps at Ole Miss and Tennessee.

"The summer, it all went by real good," Dockery said. "I didn't get everything accomplished because they had me playing safety but really my main thing is quarterback. Tennessee and Ole Miss they liked me and Ole Miss even had me playing corner. As long as it makes me better I'm good."

Along with Tennessee and Ole Miss, Dockery is receiving interest from Memphis and MTSU. The Blue Raiders are the only school recruiting him at quarterback and this year he expects to get much more snaps on the defensive side of the ball.

"Last year I had a tremendous year at quarterback," he said. "I threw for 1,500 yards and 21 touchdowns and I had seven scores myself. We're a spread team. We like to spread the ball out. We run a lot of option but we like to air the ball out too. I know for sure I'll be playing safety this season."

Dockery - who says that Tennessee has talked with him about a potential offer - is looking forward to the opportunity to play both sides of the ball this fall. He also has some high goals for his team.

"I love it," he said of playing both sides of the ball. "Any opportunity I get, I'm going to take advantage of it so I love that. We are getting better every day. We're going to state. That's in our heart and head. We're going to state this year. We should have the number one defense in our region this year."

Hillcrest opens its season up on Aug. 21 when it plays defending class 3a runner-up, Memphis Mitchell.