2016 as a Junior: Played in 13 games… Had 22 total tackles (13 solo), to go with two forced fumbles, two interceptions and one pick-six… Scored first career touchdown on a 32-yard interception return against Rhode Island (Oct. 29)… Also had an interception in season opener versus Morehead State (Sept. 3)… Forced a fumble at New Hampshire (Oct. 15), which was returned by Charles Tutt for a touchdown… Season-high five tackles and a forced fumble against Elon (Nov. 19)… Tallied at least three tackles in four games.
2015 as a Sophomore: Started all 12 games at safety... Had 63 total tackles (30 solo), to go with 0.5 tackle for loss, two interceptions and two pass breakups... Made first career interception against Lehigh... Season-high 11 tackles (seven solo) at William & Mary (Oct. 31)... Also made eight stops against Albany (Sept. 19)... Had a tackle in every game and at least five tackles in seven outings.
2014 as a Freshman: Played in 12 games with five starts... Had 44 total tackles, including 23 solo, to go with 1.0 tackle for loss, 1.0 sack, one forced fumble, one quarterback hurry and two pass breakups... Produced career-high 14 tackles (four solo), as well as a sack and forced fumble in win at Albany (Oct. 4)... Finished with eight tackles (six solo) in win at Charlotte (Oct. 25)... Tallied six tackles in home win over Elon (Nov. 22).
High School: Predominantly spent time playing linebacker, but also saw action at multiple positions on offense including running back, fullback, and wide receiver… As a senior, teamed with brother Quay to lead Knightdale to an 11-2 mark and the third round of the state playoffs for the first time in school history... Recognized as a Greater Neuse River 4A All-Conference Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference in 2013… Also ran track and field for the Bobcats... Was one of the members of a 4x400-meter relay squad that broke a 20+ year old all-classification N.C. High School Athletic Association while helping lead the Knights to a third straight Class 4-A state track and field championship… Runs a 4.62 second 40-yard dash, squats 385, and benches 285.
Personal: Full name is Marcell Rayquan Johnson... Brother Quay is an inside receiver at East Carolina... Majoring in sport and recreation management.