Name: Markel Roby
School: Pittsburg State University
Position: DB/KR
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 205
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
Becoming more of a leader on and off the field, and helping my coaching staff to rekindle championship culture as much as I could as a player. Making big time plays when they mattered, distilling the mindset that even though we bend we never break. As well as becoming even more of a student of the game.
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
It gave me the opportunity to build myself as a leader, and with my transfer from NAIA to an organization like Pitt state it allowed me to be apart of something bigger than myself and see what the standard for competing at the highest level was. It helped me work on character values I felt were important, leadership values, and expand my game being around more guys driven to be the best that they can be at all times.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
Hard working player who’s effort will never be questioned, good personality on and off the field, and I get along well with others. I feel that they would say I’m a guy who shows up leads by example through my work ethic and I am generally well liked by most if not all of those who come in contact with me, because I love interacting with my teammates and coaches.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
I focus on tendencies, and player personalities to help expose things about the opposing team. I like to study film and get to know my opponents, looking for patterns in behavior, formations they like, playing situational football. trying to anticipate what may happen next so that I can be one step ahead of the competition at all times. I look for things like guards or tackles sitting lighter in there stances on passing downs and/or situations where they like to rely on their run game, and maybe a particular lineman is a little heavier or doesn’t move as well so he needs to compensate. Receivers giving away route concepts based upon their release at the snap of the ball. Knowing what your opponent is comfortable doing is a great help when deciphering what is normal and how to gauge when your opponent is desperate and trying something outside of their tendency. All of these things help me to create a character profile Showing what kind of “personality” the opposing unit may have allowing me to pick up on things faster.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
My work ethic, Is the main thing that separates me. I refuse to let someone out work we. The competitive nature I have is the best quality I have, I can be put into a room where guys have been training for two months or more before me and be up to speed in a month based upon the fact that I feel I should be on or passed their level. Pushing myself has always been something I’ve been good at, no one has to tell me to work hard, because I feel it should be a given. I am never satisfied, and I look to push others to reach their full potential which is another main reason why I am different from others, because I don’t believe in leaving someone behind. I feel we are only as strong as the weakest in the room and I feel that these are some of the main reasons I mesh well with others.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
I am currently down in Texas training at Armed Sports Performance. Training under former chiefs running back Derrick Blaylock & Courtney Brooks in preparation for my pro-day opportunity on march 18th, as of today. I am looking to put my best foot forward in training as well as on the day of testing. I am looking to help show others what the standard of performance is over at Pitt State University ranging from character to level of performance, and hopefully open some eyes.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I am particularly strong for someone at my position, and I’ve always seen myself as a pretty athletic and versatile player who can step up to the challenge and provide whatever is asked of me and/or needed from me by my coaches, I can cover slots, I have speed to cover from sideline to sideline from the center of the field as the high safety, and ability to run down on special teams, strengthen to destroy blocks from tight ends or linemen, and return kicks as well. I can be used in truly any fashion Landing somewhere between true defensive back and hybrid linebacker/safety type. I’m comfortable wherever I’m placed on the backend, just show me where you want me and I’ll strap it up and play.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
To any NFL organization that would be interested in giving me the opportunity to extend my career, and proceed to the next level. You are receiving a high character guy, who is continuously pushing himself to be better every chance he gets. I have infectious positive charisma that will soon rub off on teammates near me, very respectable, honest, and a self starter. If there is an opportunity out there for me it will NOT be wasted guaranteed.
