Wide Receiver Marquise Irvin relishes final season

One of the most consistent players on Mercer’s football team, wide receiver Marquise Irvin, has remained a pillar in the team’s offense for the past four years and is now in his final season. As a freshman, he played in all 11 games and was named to the Southern Conference All-Freshman team.

“I played early but I really started to get into the offense my sophomore year,” Irvin said. “I took advantage of every opportunity I got.”

Marquise came to Mercer with the idea that he would be a part of a growing team with the potential to become a SoCon championship winning team, which unfortunately has not happened yet since the team joined SoCon in 2014.

Despite this, Irvin has continually improved during his tenure at Mercer. Just this year, Irvin was named to the 2018 Preseason All-SoCon First Team.

So far this year, Irvin has contributed 579 receiving yards with three touchdowns.

“Anytime you have a big time receiver on the weak side of the field, defenses have to make adjustments for that,” Head Coach Bobby Lamb said. “He makes big plays and big time catches.”

Irvin only has four games left in his collegiate career, notwithstanding a bid at the SoCon championship, and his departure will leave a hole in Mercer’s offense that will have to be filled with new talent.

“There’s a lot of young guys we got,” Irvin said. “David Durden, Demond Ellison, those are two big physical guys that can run and fill my position when I leave.”

Lamb said that Irvin has gotten some attention from pro-NFL scouts and Irvin confirmed that the pro route is one he is seriously considering if it opens up for him.

“It’s every kid's dream to want to go pro,” Irvin said. “I’m trying my best to take advantage of that opportunity as well.”