Marcel Mingo – Cornerback – Millersville University
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Marcel Mingo: 6’0, 190, and in the upper 4.5 (estimate).
Alex Khvatov: Where will you be training for the NFL Draft?
Marcel Mingo: Northern VA area/Houston, TX.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall experience at the National Bowl all-star game in Daytona Beach, FL.
Marcel Mingo: Overall, it was a great experience! I got to compete against high caliber guys at the D-II level with the same dreams and aspirations as me.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest thing that you will take away from that weekend?
Marcel Mingo: To make the most of every opportunity.
Alex Khvatov: Who was the best player that you have faced at the National Bowl?
Marcel Mingo: Tevin Isom. We were on the same team, but I had a chance to cover him in practice. One of the bigger receivers that I’ve faced. From what I saw in the game, he showed that he has the ability to run good routes and can catch very well.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in
you?
Marcel Mingo: Schools ranging from FCS to D-II. Bryant University, University of Albany, Millersville and Slippery Rock were the top schools that showed interest.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Millersville University?
Marcel Mingo: The coaching staff as a whole was very welcoming and had a game plan for me as far as playing the right way. Also, it was the best situation for me financially.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Marcel Mingo: I would say that I have a good work ethic. I strive to be better than I was the day before. Also, I’m very coachable. I try my best to take constructive criticism and apply it to the very next rep. On the field, I am a team player, aggressive and have good hips.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Marcel Mingo: The biggest thing that I want to improve is playing with more speed. I feel like I play fast, but I know that at the next level the game play will be a lot faster. Through training, I’ll get myself to that point, and I think improving that skill will help me compete at the next level.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career.
Marcel Mingo: I’ve felt that I’ve had a great career. It’s been long journey. There has been a lot of ups and downs, but I think my mindset of trying to do my best and not giving up on my dream helped me get through it all. I really don’t regret anything that happened throughout the process because it got me to where I am today.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Marcel Mingo: I think the biggest highlight of my career was playing East Stroudsburg this past season, and making the game winning interception to help put the team in a position to win. It was definitely a moment I’ll never forget.
Alex Khvatov: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?
Marcel Mingo: To do your job and to trust the guy next to you to do the same in return.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Marcel Mingo: Panthers.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Marcel Mingo: Cam Newton.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a CB?
Marcel Mingo: Confidence and focus. You have to believe in yourself to get the job done and remain focused on your keys, reads and technique.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that
you are looking for from the defense?
Marcel Mingo: Communication is probably the biggest tendency that I look for from the defense. Making sure everyone is on the same page with the play, and to call out any checks that may happen pre-snap.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Marcel Mingo: If I could shout out to all my guys I would, but Zac Button, Brendan Sherman and Joey Farley. Those guys are playmakers and bring the energy to the team.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the toughest player that you have faced on an
opposing team?
Marcel Mingo: Mark Jones from Gannon University. He was RB that had great vision, elusiveness and power.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Marcel Mingo: Competition and friendships. Being able to compete against another team with an opportunity to win with the group of guys that you’ve created a bond with.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your biggest role model and why?
Marcel Mingo: My biggest role model is my mom. She is a very strong person and has taught me a lot of life lessons. She’s the type of person that would help everyone if she could.
Alex Khvatov: What is your definition of a leader?
Marcel Mingo: A person that others can look to for help and also better the people around them.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Marcel Mingo: Traveling, listening to music and hanging out with friends.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football
career is over?
Marcel Mingo: I want to get into the avenue of the sports marketing and media.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Marcel Mingo: Humble, resilient, hardworking, coachable and ambitious.
Alex Khvatov: Who will win the National Championship in CFB this year?
Marcel Mingo: Alabama.
Alex Khvatov: Who will win Super Bowl LIII in February?
