IMG Academy Standout AJ Marks Talks Pitt Recruitment

If you aren’t familiar with the caliber of talent fielded at IMG Academy, below is a breakdown of the five-star prospects the Bradenton, Florida, program carried in each recruiting class over the last decade. 

• 2016 class: QB Shae Patterson, TE Isaac Nauta
• 2017 class: DE Joshua Kaindoh, OLB Dylan Moses
• 2018 class: DE Xavier Thomas, DT Taron Vincent
• 2019 class: DE Nolan Smith, RB Trey Sanders, OT Evan Neal
• 2020 class: CB Eli Ricks
• 2021 class: OT JC Latham, QB J.J. McCarthy, LB Xavian Sorey Jr., WR Ja’Corey Brooks
• 2022 class: DE Jihaad Campbell, CB Daylen Everette
• 2023 class: OT Francis Mauigoa, CB Dezz Ricks
• 2024 class: CB Ellis Robinson IV, DL David Stone, OT Jordan Seaton
• 2025 class: IOL Michael Carroll

Every season, the IMG Academy roster is littered with Power Four recruits. So, it’s impressive that AJ Marks earned Defensive Player of the Year honors within the national powerhouse last year. 

Pursued from coast to coast as a cornerback recruit, Marks played on the perimeter, at the nickel position, and he played safety in 2024. The 5-foot-9, 160-pound prospect boasts 26 Division-I scholarship offers after recording 38 tackles, four tackles for loss, a sack, two interceptions, six pass breakups, and two forced fumbles.