2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Markel Perry, OLB, Sam Houston State
- Name: Markel Perry
- Height: 6’1”
- Weight: 225 lbs.
- Position: OLB
- College: Sam Houston State University
- Twitter: KingKelPerry
- Instagram: _.kingkel
Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
My overall experience at Sam Houston has been great. I wasn’t sure at first, coming into a new town. Yet, after I got settled in and got to know my teammates, coaches and professors, I was able to build great relationships. I recently graduated with a degree in Public Health. I’ve also been studying some real estate on the side.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
Definitely my motor. I also have the ability to encourage others and push them beyond their comfort zone.
What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I see myself in a leadership role given my experience and knowledge with all the work I have put in. I’ve also been on the team’s Leadership Council for 3 years. When it comes to me on the field, I’ve been playing an OLB position most of my life. I have the ability to be a great edge rusher and run sideline to sideline. I play a Jack position at Sam Houston that is a mix of a DE and OLB. I’ve shown my ability to get dirty in the trenches as well as effectively drop into coverage. We play a lot of 4-3 and 4-2-5 schemes. Yet, I believe that I am adaptable and can do whatever a coach needs. Special teams is just as serious as my role as the Jack, going down on kicks and being one of the first players to the ball carrier.
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
My toughest competition came in our game against JMU during the Spring 2021 season. Their QB Cole Johnson was able to make great adjustments while driving the ball down the field.
Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Zyon McCollum is one of the greatest DBs that I’ve ever seen perform. He has amazing fundamentals and athleticism. He also shows a lot of grit and toughness. It’s going to be great to see what he does for the Buccaneers this season.
We have also brought in a lot of fresh new faces this season who are going to shine. Jordan Boatman is a great offensive tackle. He gives me great competition in practice. We also brought in Toby Ndukwe from SMU. I like his mindset and drive as a pass rusher. He’s catching on really fast and showing a lot of promise.
Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Back in the summer of 2019, I unexpectedly lost my 17-year-old baby brother. He was one of my biggest fans and supporters. Losing him was very hard. I didn’t know how to react or move forward with my life at the time. I asked myself “What would he want me to do?” I knew that he would want me to strive to be the best player that I can. Prior to 2019, I had mainly been a special teams player and was expected to have a bigger role going into the season. I remember having a conversation with my brother about how I was going to do great things on the field. When I am playing football, I’m putting it all on the line like it’s my last time. I’ve been dedicating everything that I do in his memory.
If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Probably basketball. I have a very athletic family, many that have played and coached basketball. Back in high school, I participated in wrestling, powerlifting as well as track & field. My mom actually qualified for the Junior Olympics. I could have followed in her footsteps as well.
What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m most proud that I have graduated from college. I’m the first generation in my family to do so. I’m happy that football has given me a means to obtain a scholarship and an education.
I’ve achieved a lot as a football player including being an All-Conference athlete and a National Champion.
Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
During the 2021 Spring season, we were playing against North Dakota State in the playoffs. On the opening drive, their QB scrambled and threw a pass to his TE. I had been pursuing the QB for the sack when he threw the ball over my head. Turning my attention to the TE, I noticed that he didn’t have a good hold on the ball. So, I gave it a punch, knocking it out for the fumble. Jaylen Thomas was able to recover the ball for the turnover. I remember that being the turning point in the game that helped us get the win.
Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Living in Texas, by default I’ve been a Texans fan. My all-time favorite athlete is Ray Lewis, and I’ve been a fan of the Ravens as well. I often watch some of Ray Lewis’s speeches with him talking about the intensity and effort that you need to give on the field.
Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Kendrick Lamar is my favorite artist. For pre-game, I like to listen to “Riot” by Three Days Grace.
What is your favorite comfort food?
My mom’s smothered oxtail, rice, cornbread and cabbage.
Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
One of my favorite actors is Johnny Depp with how versatile he’s been over the years. The Vikings series and Dragon Ball Z are some of my favorites to watch on TV. John Wick is one of my favorite movies.
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time, I like to paint abstract art. I also like to try different foods. I do some personal training on the side. I’m also family oriented. I enjoy riding horses and going fishing.
Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
My family motivates me the most. I already mentioned my younger brother and how I play for his memory. I also play for my mother. She’s been a very strong woman throughout the years, and I want her to have the ability to sit back and relax as I pursue my dream of playing in the NFL.
I also push myself to be better than I was the day before. I put my all into what I do and don’t want to have any regrets. I love football. I love the physicality, how it’s a man’s sport and not everyone has the ability to play. I’ve been playing since I was 5. I love the sport and the business of it. With all the hard work and preparation that I’ve put into football, I like being able to have fun when I’m able to get on the field and play.
Assistant Director of Scouting for the Hula Bowl and long-time writer for NFL Draft Diamonds.