By Michael Lindsay
Cumberland County’s Marcus Pedde’s dream of playing college football is one step closer to reality as the senior defensive back signed his NLI with Kalamazoo College Monday afternoon.
Pedde’s signing took place in front of teammates and family Monday afternoon at Cumberland County.
“I’ve got a lot of mixed emotions,” he said. “I’m proud of myself and thankful for my family for helping out today. I’m very excited in general but also nervous.”
“I’m excited for him and our program,” said Cumberland County head coach Noah Repasky. “Anytime you have a kid have an opportunity to continue his education and play football at the next level, it’s always a validation of a lot of time and effort over the years.
“He’s as good of a kid as he is a football player,” Repasky added. “He grew in his role as he went through his sophomore and junior year. By the time we went into his senior offseason, he was a leader for us. He does everything right in the locker room and classroom. Our program teaches that, but he also had it naturally.”
Pedde’s journey to Kalamazoo, an NCAA Division III program in Michigan, had a unique start.
“I actually reached out to them,” Pedde said. “I saw them on Twitter and think they’re a great school for me. I have family up there, so I was like ‘why not’ and they offered me. I had it narrowed down to 4 schools. It was a big decision. It was mostly my family and the graduation rate at Kalamazoo.”
Pedde, an all-Region 4-4A second-team selection, had multiple people to thank on signing day.
“I want to thank my family and the track team and coaches,” he said. “Our (football) coaches did a wonderful job helping me out.”
Pedde played a key role for the 2021 Jet football team, who had the school’s first winning record in almost 20 years (6-5).
“It’s meant a lot,” Pedde said on his time in Crossville. “Two seasons ago we had the best year in 20 years. This season, we built a lot of bonds. They’re doing amazing things here in the weight program.”
“We knew what we were going to get out of him every play,” Repasky added. “He started out as a defensive back for us, but as he got bigger and stronger, we moved him to a linebacker role. He could stop the run and was physical enough to take on linemen, but agile enough to cover the flats. On offense, he had the most catches on the team his senior year. With a young quarterback, it was big to have him to throw to.”
College football is a change from the local high school ranks, and Pedde sees room for improvement between now and the Hornets’ season opener Sept. 2 vs. Oberlin.
“I need to be up in the 180s and get a little faster,” he said. “I think track is helping me with that. Football slowed down a lot, but it’s going to speed back up in college. I was a hybrid receiver and defensive back. In college, they may play me more on defense.”
