Marcus Johnson 

Wide Receiver – Senior 

Slippery Rock

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?   

Marcus Johnson:  I am 6’2, 190, 4.5. 

Alex Khvatov:  Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?

Marcus Johnson:  I am training in a facility about 40 minutes away from Pittsburgh.  

Alex Khvatov:  What can we expect from you at the Pro Day? 

Marcus Johnson:  We will have the pro day at Slippery Rock on March 22nd.  I am hoping to jump a vertical over 35 inches and over 10 inches on the broad.  I want to run a 4.5 forty, 4.2 in the shuttle and under a 7.0 in the L-drill. 

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you? 

Marcus Johnson:  I was underrated and I didn’t have a lot of offers.  I had looks from Temple, Pitt, Toledo and PSAC schools.  I went to Thiel College.  It is a D-3 school.  I was named freshman of the year at Thiel College.  It was too easy.  I felt like I needed a step up in competition.  I transferred to Slippery Rock. 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you decide to transfer to Slippery Rock?

Marcus Johnson:  A couple of schools wanted me to walk on.  I couldn’t afford it.  I went to Slippery Rock because they wanted me out of high school.   

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall career. 

Marcus Johnson:  I transferred to Slippery Rock.  The first year, I was just learning the new system.  I got more playing time as the season went on.  I started a couple of games the first year.  The second year, I became the starter.  I had nice stats.  I had about 8 or 10 TD’s.  I had a couple of 100-yard games receiving.  My senior year, I became the main KR and PR.  I had 17 total TD’s my senior year and over 2000 all-purpose yards.  The coaching staff had more faith in me my senior year.  They threw me the ball more in my direction. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Marcus Johnson:  Competitiveness.  I always give everything I have.  They can put me anywhere, and I will adapt to it.  I have great ball skills.  My route running is good, and I get out of breaks fast.  I love the hand fighting.  My work ethic is very good.    

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon? 

Marcus Johnson:  My strength.  I need to gain more weight.  I need to do a better job against the press. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point? 

Marcus Johnson:  I scored five TD’s against Gannon my senior year.  I had a kickoff return for a TD and four receiving TD’s. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are you most proud of during your college career?

Marcus Johnson:  Actually, I will graduate next fall.  Graduating will be my biggest accomplishment.  My major is in leadership.  It is about working with kids and giving back to the community. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team? 

Marcus Johnson:  My hometown Steelers. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player? 

Marcus Johnson:  A.J. Green.  I love his route running.  I also like the way he goes up and gets the ball.  He is also very good at hand fighting. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a WR? 

Marcus Johnson:  You have to be coachable and have a good work ethic. 

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season? 

Marcus Johnson:  WR Carnel Harley, WR Dakota Clanagan, QB Andrew Koester, DB Tavarus Sample and DB Kyle Hall.  Also CB Khadir Roberts played as a freshman.  He is the most talented corner.  He will be a sophomore next year.    

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced during your career?

Marcus Johnson:  #20 from Cal of PA (Vondel Bell).

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football? 

Marcus Johnson:  I love the game.  I loved football ever since I have been a kid.  It is the best.  I love hitting, catching TD’s and jumping around with my teammates. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies? 

Marcus Johnson:  I only play sports and video games. 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over? 

Marcus Johnson:  I want to open up my own business.  I want to open up corner stores and Laundromats.

Alex Khvatov:  Finish the sentence, Marcus Johnson is….

Marcus Johnson:  The next best NFL prospect.