BYU DB Marcus McKenzie Has Made a Name for Himself on Special Teams

Most college football fans can name the starting quarterback of the team they cheer for. Most fans keep tabs on the star players. However, you won't find many college football fans that can name the gunner on their punt team. BYU fans might be the exception to that rule. Through just two games this season, BYU gunner Marcus McKenzie is making a name for himself in his limited role on special teams. McKenzie, a true freshman, already has four tackles and a fumble recovery. He nearly recovered another muffed punt in the season opener at Sam Houston State.

The stats don't tell the full story. McKenzie has timed the tackles perfectly, and his track speed flashes every time the punt is in the air. After the punt leaves the foot of Ryan Rehkow, all eyes are on number 32.

Marcus McKenzie. DAWWWGGG. 😤 pic.twitter.com/gZfoOY5PcH
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) September 10, 2023

It's not often that a special teams player is one of the few players to meet with the media after the game, but that's exactly what happened with Marcus on Saturday. McKenzie was one of just four players to meet with the media after the game - he was joined by Kedon Slovis, Isaac Rex, and Max Tooley.

Marcus McKenzie joins @jaromjordan in the Film Room to discuss his big moments and plays from last week's game and what's next for Arkansas on the road.#BYUFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/QZi47my23k
— BYUtv Sports Nation (@BYUSportsNation) September 13, 2023

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake was asked about McKenzie after the game. “He is a playmaker," Sitake said. "When his brother gets home from his mission, it is going to be nice because we will have two McKenzies doing work. They have great genetics. I blocked for his dad, and his mom was a track athlete here. He is almost beating the kick down the field, and that is hard to do. He has a ton of speed and a lot of confidence. He is going to be a great player for us. Good things happen when he is in the game.”

Marcus is the son of former BYU great running back Brian McKenzie. His Mom, Salote, competed as a heptathlete for BYU Track and Field. Marcus' identical twin, Dominique McKenzie, signed with BYU as a wide receiver. Dominique is currently serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is expected to join the roster in time for the 2024 season.

Marcus is listed as a backup at cornerback and he's been mentioned as a standout by multiple coaches. For now, McKenzie will continue to play a vital role on BYU's punt team. In the future, Marcus will take on a much greater role for the BYU defense.

If you haven't already committed Marcus Mckenzie's name to memory, there's no time like the present. In the famous words of Jon Rothstein: buy stock now.

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