Name: Markel Johnson
School: New Haven
Position: Edge
Height:  6’4″
Weight: 237

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

My goals was to win the NE-10 championship and go beyond the second round of the playoffs but unfortunately it didn’t happen. And also to be more dominant than I was in previous years and by missing less sacks and tackles, and I did accomplish that.

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

Although I’m a quiet person I lead by example and whenever I say something to our team it’s heard by everyone. I am a reliable player that shows up and work all the time and in big moments, I always show up and make plays. I make everyone job easier by doing mine to the best of my ability and always willing to do whatever it takes to win. Also, I’m a versatile player and can fit in any system.

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

I watch film everyday. When it comes to what I look for personally, I ask myself a lot of questions, such as what foot I step with first? What type of stance is best for me, any tendencies from me before snap? how is my hand placement? What foot do I plant off of? How many steps do I take? are any wasted movement? How’s my leverage? Is whatever I’m doing predictable? When I’m looking at the opponents I look for the type of players I’m going against. What formations do they use. What plays do they run. How are their stance before the play. How might they try to take me out the game. What is the snap cadence. How is the offensive lineman leverage. Are they good with movement or power. And much more I can’t think of now.

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

I’m willing to do whatever it takes to become a great player. My entire life I’ve been looked over by many coaches at every level because I’m quiet. In high school I played about a half of a football season at Defensive end and Linebacker. I wasn’t recruited by anyone and decided to try out at the University of New Haven, I worked hard at my craft everyday to be one of the best in the conference. I worked my way up from a bench player to special team player to starter at every level and during those times it taught me to work hard and stay consistent and that’s what I plan to do. I’m a fast and explosive player, I feel that if I continue to work on my craft I can be a really special player.

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

I plan to work on my explosiveness while building size and strength. Also looking to take any advice I can get from people that have already been through this process, to help me go about it the most efficient way.

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

I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win, from being a big special teams player to being an every down player. Also, I’m looking forward to working religiously to achieve my full potential.

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

I’m a hard working player just looking for a chance to achieve my dream. And whoever is willing to give me a shot at playing football is going to be really happy with the player I am, and love the player I’m going to be.