As the young 2011 football season goes into league play, the Palma Chieftains have shown early success as a potential top five team in Northern California. The team is anchored by a solid running game on offense while their front seven on defense have limited opposing offenses. But one player in the secondary has also been helping in run support and coverage.
At 6-foot-0 and 190 pounds, Marcel Brinson is a combination of speed and strength as a defensive back. Brinson can run the 40 yard dash in 4.58 seconds, has a 4.40 second shuttle time, bench press 260 pounds, and squat 345 pounds. As a junior last season, he earned second team all league.
Brinson plays a similar style to that of USC Trojan Taylor Mays because he is a good size for his position, can play free safety, also play strong safety, and play inside the box like a line backer. Brinson plays strong safety and free safety but can play in one on one coverage or play inside the box as a line backer.
Palma Coach Jeff Carnazzo says, "Marcel's strength is his his physical brand of play. He is big strong and physical and plays his SS position like a linebacker. He plays the game with passion and is smart and instinctual. He always seems to be around the ball."
Humboldt State, Colorado State, University of San Diego, and Washington have interest in adding a secondary component such as Brinson into their recruiting class. Brinson had this to say about the colleges that he has been looking at so far, "Northern Arizona - I like the area and I know I can play there. University of San Diego- it's nice and not too far away from home and I have friends there. Humboldt State is not too far away from home and I know I can play there." Brinson wants to major in Radio Broadcasting in college.
Coach Carnazzo adds, "Marcel has tremendous leadership skills. Player and coaches are drawn to him like no one I have ever coached. He is our leader on and off the field. He will definitely be playing football on Saturdays next year. His play this year will dictate the level that he will play."
Brinson has been a varsity starter since his junior year. He gives Palma flexibility as he can play any position in the secondary. Brinson also plays with mental toughness as he was hurt in his first game last season but toughed it out to be an effective piece in Palma's run to the second round of the playoffs. In addition, Brinson lost his twin brother to cancer when he was 8 years old. As a result, he is very family oriented and spiritual.
Brinson wants to see a strong finish to his senior year as he is looking to make it to a few all-star teams. But more importantly, he wants to help Palma make a run for an undefeated season and deeper playoff stint. Brinson runs track during the offseason to help keep his speed up but plans to be a football prospect on the next level.
Watch for Brinson to help continue Palma's early season success. If that continues, expect the Chieftains to have a top five finish at the end of the season and Marcel to be a secondary marvel on the college level in 2012.
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