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Marcus Gray | Indiana State University | DB
Instagram: @Kingswank6
Q: Tell us about your sports career and what the recruiting/scouting process was like?
A: The recruiting process was difficult and I was naïve to the seriousness of it. I certainly didn’t understand it coming out of high school and I was only getting looks from D3 & D2 schools. I ended up walking on at Indiana State and I told myself, that I was going to make it happen even with the odds stacked highly against me!
Q: Did you play in college and if so, who did you play for? What was your experience like?
A: I played at Indiana State and had a unique experience. I walked on and had to prove myself since day 1. I became a starter at safety and earned a scholarship my junior season.
Q: What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in your sports career so far?
A: After my junior season I was awarded the most improved player on the team. Between that, earning a scholarship, and our team making the FCS playoffs for the 1st time in over 30 years. (Haven’t been back since)
Q: What do you consider to be one of the more important things you learned from your coach(es)
A: I had a coach named Gerald Alexander who’s currently coaching with the Dolphins who instilled the importance of technique and showed me how NFL players practice at the next level.
Q: What would your current/past teammates say about you and your qualities?
A: They would say that I’m one of the most durable players and I’m known for finding a way no matter the situation. Leader on the team who’s overly determined, with the ability to inspire the best from all of his teammates.
Q: What has been one of the most memorable plays of your career at any level?
A: Getting thrown out of a game for targeting Carson Wentz.
Q: What has been your biggest challenge and how do you manage it?
A: Finding a well-coached team to play on where I can excel on and make big plays at a high level.
Q: Who was the best player you played against anytime during your career?
A: Carson Wentz, David Johnson, (Robert Tonyan – teammate)
Q: If you could compare yourself to any pro athlete, who would that be and why?
A: Kawhi Leonard – same game and similar personalities
Q: What is your biggest strength that you bring to a professional team and why should pro scouts consider you?
A: My biggest strength is being a playmaker, and the ability I have to remain durable. I have the ability to learn schemes quickly and I respond well to excellent coaching. My best season was playing alongside a coach that played at the highest level.
Q: Are you involved in mentoring, a charity or do you “give back” or ”pay it forward” in your community?
A: My best friend and I are involved in history tours throughout Indiana. We travel to different cities unmasking the black history in each town for the youth and people of those cities to learn from.
Q: What do you enjoy doing when not playing football?
A: I enjoy working out and staying active.
Q: If you could make a positive impact on all of society what would it be and why?
A: Teach young children the importance of doing the right thing and challenging themselves to learn to get where that want to be in life.
Q: Who is or has been the most influential person in your life?
A: Mother and Father
Q: What is something unique about you that people would find interesting?
A: I’m always in a good mood and my energy can ignite an entire room
Q: If you had the opportunity to play another sport professionally, what sport would you choose?
A: Basketball
Q: What is your dream job?
A: To play a professional sport at the highest level