If you’ve had a chance to watch the Elder defense this year, than you probably noticed number 96 making a few big plays. Number 96 is Marc McGeorge, who is a three-year varsity starter, and has emerged as a playmaker for the defense this season, but it hasn’t always been this way. Marc was moved away from JV as soon as practice began his sophomore year, and earned a starting spot at defensive tackle. After a solid campaign as a sophomore Marc entered junior year with high expectations as well as those of the Panthers as a team. Those expectations vanished quickly as the Panthers finished 2-8. McGeorge’s personal performance was a let down as well. He made only 31 tackles with one sack the entire year. “I had a hard time focusing on doing my job, and always wanted to be the guy who made the big play,” said Marc. The offseason brought new goals for number 96, and goals he had no problem accomplishing. Marc found a new desire: to move from the D-line to linebacker. “Wanting to play linebacker motivated me to work harder and longer, and do more than just the running and lifting that was required,” Marc says of his offseason motivation. It all started with eating habits. Marc switched from a fattening diet to a daily serving of chicken breasts, egg salads, and protein shakes. His daily intake of pop was also a big change in his daily routine. Marc claims he drank little pop, and plenty of water. As summer dragged on, fat began to vanish from Marc’s body. His total weight loss was 20 pounds. The work paid off because in August Marc was informed he could play some linebacker. Marc is only seven games through the season, and he has almost tied his tackle count from last year, and quadrupled his sack count. Marc is currently playing both Sam linebacker, and defensive tackle at different times in the game. Marc makes huge stops for Elder, and you can find him at the bottom of most dog piles on the field. Marc has noticed the physical changes within himself. “I find myself getting better as the game goes on. I’m not as tired as I used to be. I can move a lot easier, and this has led to more big hits,” he said. Others are noticing Marc’s work as well because tristatefootball.com has nominated him as a player of the week candidate. Logon, and give Marc a few votes. Marc has not always had it easy, but he has worked hard to make it the position he is today. He has truly earned everything he has accomplished this year. There is no doubt that when the Panther defense takes the field on Friday against Winton Woods that number 96 will be giving the O-line a hard time. To vote for Marc for WCPO Player of the Week, click this link: http://tristatefootball.com/player.asp