Marcus Dowtin, a 22-year-old linebacker from Upper Marlboro, Md., has become an important player for the Lions’ defense this season.

Dowtin is a transfer player from Georgia, where he played in 11 games last season and recorded 57 total tackles. He was ranked 34th in the SEC with an average of 5.2 tackles per game. His career high came when he made 10 tackles against Florida and again at Auburn.

UNA Head Coach Terry Bowden is pleased to have Dowtin on his team this year.

“He has had a big impact on our defense and their ability to keep the other teams out of the end zone,” he said.

This season at UNA, Dowtin has had 47 tackles overall, 18 of which were solo tackles. He recorded one interception for 23 yards against Central Oklahoma, the first game of the season.

UNA Defensive Coordinator Tony Pecoraro found out about Marcus while he was recruiting another player from Georgia, Nick Williams. Pecoraro said that Marcus has fit right in with the Lions.

“(The) first thing he’s got to do is back it up on the field, and he’s done that,” Pecoraro said.

Dowtin originally chose Northwest Missouri over UNA, but changed his mind right before football camp started this summer.

“It felt like more of a home here, with guys I could fit in with,” Dowtin said. “Plus, one of my best friends, Nick Williams from Georgia, transferred here too.”

He also said that UNA had the best facilities and school that Division II had to offer.

Dowtin said that his inspiration to play football comes from his family and everything he’s been through. After leaving Georgia, he was homeless for a little while.

“It was definitely a humbling experience,” he said. “I feel like it happened for a reason. It took everything from me just to put me in this spot to, you know, get better and mature.”

Marcus brought his brother Jamal with him to UNA. He spends his spare time hanging out with his brother and relaxing, as well as listening to music.

Dowtin has played football since he was in the sixth grade. When he was growing up, he played everything from basketball to soccer to t-ball.

Dowtin has hopes of playing in the NFL after college. His favorite team is the Dallas Cowboys. He said that playing in Cowboys Stadium Sept. 17 was a dream come true.

After this season, Dowtin plans to return to Georgia to graduate. He is majoring in Pre-Business/Management Information Systems.

Dowtin and rest of the No. 2 Lions are scheduled to play at Arkansas Tech Oct. 8 at 6 p.m in hopes of keeping the undefeated record in take as well as the No.1 ranking.

Bio Facts

Hometown: Upper Marlboro, Md.

Major: Pre-Business/Management Infomation

Season: 47 tackles (18 solo), 1.5 sacks, and int.

Hobbies: relaxing and listening to music, and                                spending time with his brother, Jamal Dowtin

Favorite Music Artist: Beyonce and Wale

Favorite TV Show: “First 48”