Major football recruit Earlington to play hoops instead
Despite having what seems like unlimited opportunities on the gridiron,
Don Bosco (Ramsey, N.J.) senior defensive end
Marcellus Earlington has chosen to forgo his football scholarships and play basketball in college instead.
A 6-5, 260-pound play-maker at both defensive end and tight end, Earlington generated 16 FBS offers compared to his limited opportunities on the hardwood. Yet, he will follow his heart which is telling him that the basketball court is where he wants to be.
So which school is it going to be for the explosive two-sport star?
"I plan to make my decision in the spring," he said, "so I can take as many visits as possible and take my time in finding the right fit."
Although somewhat undersized at 6-5 to play the four or five spots in college, Earlington believes the way the game has changed now allows players of all shapes and sizes to partake in different roles.
"A lot of colleges are not recruiting me for a certain position. They say the game is becoming position-less and I could play two-through-four. I want to be able to play every position at the next level kind of like a Draymond Green type payer."
Will all of his football suitors give up on him?
Probably not.
Especially when it appears from the outside looking in that Earlington's leaving some great opportunities on the table. But, ultimately, it's his decision to make and he's made it, as the youngster has his own life to live.
"Football coaches have started to fall back a little but there are still schools recruiting me," said Earlington who holds football offers from
Rutgers, Georgia, Penn State, Michigan State, Louisville, Virginia Tech, Pitt and UNC, to name a few. "I have no problem with it. I look at it as a blessing to have the opportunity to play either sport at the next level and that there's millions of kids that wish to be in my position."
