Name: Marcellus Edwards
School: Emporia State
Position: TE
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 250
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
The goals I set going into my last college season were very team oriented and a lot of them had to do with getting to the national championship and winning the conference, but we fell short of that goal this season. Individually, I set a goal to get invited to a Senior Bowl and to become an all-around Tight End and improve my blocking, and I feel I did that.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I’m a player who is very versatile. I committed to Emporia State as a Defensive End and switched to offense a week before the 2018 season. I can catch the ball very well and it’s almost always going to take more than the first tackler to get me down. Also, I’m a willing blocker. Teammates will say I always bring good energy everyday to practice and keep things light-hearted.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
I focus on the defense’s tendencies, do their players have any giveaways, do they feel more confident blitzing in certain situations and if so what are they, how do they adjust to Tight End attached and where are the holes in their zones. Things like that go a long way.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
A lot of Tight Ends today are more finesse guys. The position is just trending that way towards the 6’4″+ basketball player built type of guys. I’m 6’2″ and built differently than most, so my physicality and willingness to go kick out Defensive Ends effectively on split zone plays. Also, playing defense to start my college career, I bring a different level of physicality than most Tight Ends want to get involved with.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
I am currently looking for a trainer at the moment. The season for us just ended and a lot of college football players are still playing and will be playing well into December, so I haven’t reached out to many trainers yet. I’m currently working out everyday and will continue to do so on my own until I get an opportunity with a trainer.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
On the field, my ability to catch the ball stands out. If you ask my coaches and teammates and people who have known me throughout my college career, I believe it’s never been a question that I have some of the best hands on any team I’ve been on and that’s while I was playing defense in the earlier parts of my career. Off the field, I’m a person who loves to work with kids, so giving back to the community is always a priority of mine once I am in the position to do so. I come from the inner city football leagues, so I understand how important it is to have those role models to look up to growing up. It goes a long way.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL or any other pro leagues?
If any team takes that leap of faith on a small school playmaker, it should be me. Not only because I’m supposed to say that, but because you’re getting a player who loves the game, has the skill set to truly translate to next level success, and a great locker room guy who wants to give back to the community. I’m also pretty good at blocking and catching the football if I say so myself. Whatever team takes a chance on me won’t regret it, no matter the league. I just want to play ball.
