Meet the Rising Star: A Profile of a Campbell Football Player

When I first stepped onto the Campbell University football field five years ago, I remember thinking how deceptively challenging it looked—much like the golf course pro golfer Iwasaki described in his recent Masters layout commentary. His words echoed in my mind as I watched our team’s rising star, sophomore running back Marcus Johnson, navigate the grueling drills under the North Carolina sun. Iwasaki’s reflection that "nothing has changed… it’s still very difficult" resonates deeply with anyone familiar with collegiate athletics, where progress often feels incremental despite years of effort. As a former player turned analyst, I’ve seen countless athletes come through these programs, but Marcus stands out not just for his raw talent, but for the mental resilience he brings to a sport that demands everything from you, day in and day out.

Marcus joined Campbell’s Fighting Camels as a three-star recruit from Charlotte, and honestly, I had my doubts initially. At 5'10" and 195 pounds, he didn’t have the prototypical size you’d expect for a Division I running back. But what he lacked in stature, he made up for with explosive speed—clocking a 4.38-second 40-yard dash during spring testing—and an almost obsessive work ethic. I recall one sweltering August practice where the temperature hit 94 degrees, and while others were dragging, Marcus was pushing through wind sprints with the same intensity as the first rep. It reminded me of Iwasaki’s observation about the course being "very hard, especially if it becomes windy." Football, like golf, becomes a different beast when conditions turn against you. For Marcus, those adverse moments—whether it’s a slippery field or a stacked defensive line—seem to fuel him rather than break him.

Over the past two seasons, Marcus has quietly put up some impressive numbers. As a freshman, he rushed for 812 yards and 7 touchdowns, averaging 5.2 yards per carry despite limited snaps early on. This year, through just six games, he’s already surpassed 600 yards and is on pace to break Campbell’s single-season rushing record. But stats only tell part of the story. What’s more compelling is how he’s evolved as a leader. I’ve sat in on team meetings where he’s the one breaking down film with younger players, pointing out nuances in blocking schemes that most sophomores wouldn’t even notice. It’s that blend of physical gift and football IQ that makes me believe he’s destined for the next level.

Of course, the path isn’t without its challenges. Campbell’s program, while improving, still operates with a budget that’s roughly 60% of what Power Five conference schools have. We’re talking about resources—things like nutrition plans, recovery technology, and even travel accommodations—that can make or break a player’s development. Marcus has had to be creative, often staying late to work with the strength coach on his own time or studying game tape on his laptop during bus rides. It’s that gritty, self-motivated approach that reminds me why I fell in love with this sport. He’s not waiting for opportunities; he’s carving them out himself.

Iwasaki’s comment about the course being "still beautiful" after five years also strikes a chord. Despite the grind, there’s an undeniable beauty in watching a player like Marcus grow. I’ve seen him go from a hesitant rookie who second-guessed every cut to a confident playmaker who trusts his instincts. In last week’s game against Gardner-Webb, he broke off a 68-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, weaving through defenders with a patience and vision that you can’t really teach. Plays like that are why I think he’s got a real shot at the NFL—maybe as early as his junior year if he continues at this pace.

Looking ahead, Marcus faces the same uncertainty every rising star does. Injuries, roster changes, and the sheer unpredictability of sports loom large. But if his trajectory so far is any indication, he’s built for the long haul. I’d put money on him not only shattering records at Campbell but also making waves in the pros within the next three to four years. Because at the end of the day, it’s players like him—who embrace the difficulty, who find beauty in the struggle—that leave a lasting mark on the game. And as Iwasaki might agree, some challenges are worth every ounce of effort.