BEREA: Former University of Akron defensive end Jamal Marcus will get his shot to play in the NFL.
Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Browns, the Durham, N.C., native can’t seem to escape Ohio, but that suits him fine.
Because he wasn’t selected by any NFL team, Marcus’ quest to play in an NFL game won’t be easy, but it can be done.
Marcus understands that, just as he understands his chances of being selected in the NFL Draft — which he knows wouldn’t have happened before the later rounds — were dashed when he suffered injuries to his labrum and humerus during his senior season with the Zips.
“I wasn’t able to produce like I knew I could,” he said Saturday before practice at the Browns’ three-day rookie minicamp. “I came off a real good year — my junior year — being the tops in the nation in a lot of categories like pressures and having one of the best defenses.”
The Zips ranked as one of the country’s top defenses in 2015, and Marcus stood out on it. He recorded 12.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and a team-best 10 hurries on a unit that allowed 92.9 rushing yards per game to rank third in the nation.
Marcus returned to UA in 2016 prepared to build on that success, but he and a host of other defensive players suffered nagging or serious injuries.
But that was then and Marcus said now he’s grateful for the opportunity to sign with the Browns. He pronounced himself 100 percent the player UA fans saw in 2015, and hopes he can show Browns fans some of the same.
Marcus landed with the Browns in part because he has a relationship with defensive line coach Clyde Simmons, who arrived from the Los Angeles Rams with defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, whom Marcus called hard-nosed and demanding.
The Browns coaches appreciate the speed Marcus brings with his play on the defensive line, although he said he’s prepared to line up and play wherever the team wants him. At 6-foot-2 and just under 250 pounds, he readily acknowledges he could eventually be used as a hybrid defensive end-outside linebacker to better take advantage of his speed.
“Just being myself, I know my talents and I know I can stick out if I just play my game,” he said. “If I want to catch their attention, I have to play fast, be aggressive, be a team player.”
Playing aggressively with speed was never a problem at UA for Marcus, who transferred to the Zips as a junior after two years at Ohio State. But slowing down in the heat of the game could be, as eagerness to get to the ball occasionally led to offside penalties.
Leading up to the draft, scouting reports made note of his speed and ability to get to the passer, but also mentioned he sometimes lacked discipline in his play. However, speed can’t be taught and discipline can be.
“I’d rather somebody tell me to slow down than speed up,” said Marcus, who was pulled from Saturday’s practice to ice his left hamstring.
Despite being in camp for just a couple of days, Marcus said he already sees the differences. He said everyone practices at game speed and there is a difference in size.
“I’m picking up on it pretty good, so I’ll be OK,” he said.
To that end, he said after having met most of his goals at UA he’s set new ones for playing with the Browns.
“New goals are to make an impact on the team anywhere they need me and help the team become great,” he said.
George M. Thomas can be reached at gmthomas@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Zips blog at www.ohio.com/zips. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GeorgeThomasABJ.