by Andreas Butler
Marquis Drayton is having a quietly successful two-sport career at Bethune-Cookman.
The 6-foot-1, 201-pound redshirt senior education major shines in both football and track.
“My time here is a blessing. I have learned a lot. It wasn't just about sports. I learned how to network and deal with people who are both for and against me,” responded Drayton.
Before B-CU and after Fort Lauderdale's Dillard High School, Drayton spent a year at North Carolina Technical Prep School.
He has been steady for the Wildcats football team as a safety and kick/punt returner.
“Playing football was fantastic! Another blessing! I learned a lot from both my coaches and teammates,” said Drayton.
Drayton ended his career in the Tropical Bowl, a senior bowl showcase in Miami, with some of the nation's top seniors many from the Football Bowl Series (FBS) level.
“It was another blessing getting to play with the players at the big schools. I knew that I could play with them. I showed it. I ended up being a starter,” stated Drayton.
He could be the next Wildcats performer to play in the National Football League (NFL), either drafted or as an undrafted free agent.
After a great B-CU Pro Day and a 4.41-second 40-yard dash time, several NFL teams immediately began to show interest.
The list of interested teams includes the Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Bears, New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, San Diego Chargers and others.
Drayton said, “I just asked my coaches what I needed to do. They said 'do well on Pro Day'. I ran the 40-yard dash three times. My second one caught some eyes. I have talked to several NFL teams. I don't know what is going to happen. I try to keep it in perspective. I won't be happy until I make somebody's active roster.”
Meanwhile, Drayton is running for the Wildcats defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Outdoor Track & Field championship team, under the guise of Director of Track & Field Donald Cooper.
He recently was a member of the Wildcats' 4X100 relay team who won the event at the Embry-Riddle Spikes Classic.
Drayton also runs the 60m dash during the indoor season. He runs the 200m, 4X100 and 4X400 relays during the outdoor season.
“Track has been great. I wish that I could have started earlier. I almost didn't run track at all,” added Drayton.
Football almost kept him off the track.
“When I got here, former football coach Brian Jenkins wouldn't let me run. I know why now. I didn't know the football play book. Once I got on the track, Coach Cooper really helped me. He added track drills for me that worked on my hips that helped me in football too,” explained Drayton.
Drayton was on the teams that won the first Indoor and Outdoor MEAC Track & Field titles in school history both last year and this season.
“Both were exciting. I didn't run in the indoor championships because of a football injury. The outdoor championships were funny. Coach Cooper asked if anyone wanted to run the 4X400. I believe a runner was injured. I said yes, whatever to help the team. We won it. Then, Coach told me, you don't know what you just did? I said that I didn't do anything. He said you just helped us win the whole thing,” said Drayton.
A tough upbringing in a tough Ft. Lauderdale neighborhood has also molded him.
“I'm from the 5th Avenue area of Ft. Lauderdale. It's tough. I've seen people get shot and get their heads busted wide open. I've seen drugs. I was a bad kid, but my family always supported and encouraged me. I was taught Christian values. Life is about choices. I am glad that I didn't fall into that life style,” said Drayton.
Drayton sees a future working with youth.
“I had a job back home in Ft. Lauderdale at Smith-Conner Mental Health. That is what I eventually want to do – work with the youth and help inspire them,” commented Drayton.
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