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Controversial former UF QB commit lands several HBCU offers

By Jae Fortune · 3 min read

THE SAGA OF STOKES

In 2022, Marcus Stokes was the next star quarterback coming out of Nease High School near Jacksonville, Florida. In fact, the one-time University of Florida commit is a four-star in his 2023 class.

During two years in Ponte Vedra Beach, Stokes led the Panthers with over 3,000 yards of offense, while contributing more than 25 touchdowns. At the height of his recruitment popularity, Marcus had the attention of Virginia Tech, Utah, Indiana, Pittsburgh, Memphis, Tulane and Penn State. But, no landing spot made more sense than Gainesville. Tim Tebow comparisons notwithstanding; Stokes’ commitment to the Florida Gators was an excellent fit from both perspectives. Coach Billy Napier’s new program is severely quarterback challenged, and in need of dynamic help at the position. Meanwhile, Marcus’ ability to skillfully balance considerable mobility with a proficient arm talent, teased a potentially electrifying play-calling opportunities.

Basically, Stokes and UF was a match made in Football Heaven, until around November of last year.

TROUBLE BEGINS

In a very questionable video posted to his social media, Marcus got a little too comfortable rapping to the camera. Ensuing outage over his use of certain race-related words, led to the University of Florida cutting ties with the student-athlete, and much of his D1 interest drying up.

Marcus has long-since apologized for his blunder, yet still remains unaccounted for as National Signing Day (Feb. 1, 2023) approaches. But scholarship opportunities have slowly begun to be sent his way, as Georgia’s Albany State University became the first program to break the ice with the young quarterback in over a month. Newly appointed ASU Head Coach Quinn Gray (formerly of FAMU Ratters fame) described the offer as an opportunity to the young quarterback to redeem himself,

Unfortunately, Albany State has since rescinded their offer to Marcus, following the second social media controversy of Marcus’ fledging (non-existent) college football career. Marcus is expect to visit DII program West Florida, and potentially Alabama A&M, in the coming weeks.

UPDATE: On NSD, University of West Florida announced quarterback Marcus Stokes’ commitment to the Argos football program, making him the highest profile signing of this years class. UWF won NCAA DII National Championship in 2019, as well as, conference championships in 2021, and 2022.

 

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