Name: Marcus Tappan
School:  Briar Cliff
Position: MLB
Height:  6’2″
Weight: 235

Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?

My goal was to have a successful team season and get a senior bowl invite coming from a small school. I only accomplished one of those and that was the Senior Bowl invitation in which I received three so far.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

My coaches and peers would say I am a versatile Linebacker who is effective at either inside or outside backer, but was forced to play outside backer due to the team needs.

Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?

When I break down film, I’m looking for tendencies based off formations/alignment along with where a specific player will line up at if that is their go to weapon.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?

What separates me from my other peers at my position is my toughness. I played and produced with a torn bicep my junior season which shows I’m physically and mentally tough. I am also solid in coverage at the backer position and I can pick up defensive schemes at a solid rate.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

I will be doing my training at Kilfit Athletics in Southern California working with Arna Kilacarson. I will also be playing in two senior bowls, “The Dream Bowl” and “College Gridiron Showcase”.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

The qualities I will bring to a team on the field is my versatility at the linebacker position along with having solid man coverage skills in the slot or out the backfield. Off the field, I will bring a work ethic in the weight room while also being a supportive teammate.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL or any other pro leagues?

My final pitch would be that I am a grinder. I truly love this game and to make it to this point considering the journey I took to get here. I was not ranked coming out of high school. Went to JUCO to solidify myself and within a year became the top 5 Linebacker in the country. I played at University of Cincinnati and Montana State before going to the NAIA. A lot of players would have folded from my situations, but I had to endure. I am both mentally and physically tough. I’m cut from a different cloth.