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#44 LB Vassay Marc
1997-2000, 6'2", 230 lbs.
Career Stats: Marc was on the field in USF's first game in 1997 and ended up making a total of 37 appearances for the Bulls as either a linebacker or defensive end, starting 27 times. He recorded 187 career tackles, 15 TFL, and 5.5 sacks, and forced five fumbles. He even blocked a punt against James Madison in 2000. Marc suffered a herniated disc in his neck against Troy State that year and missed the rest of his senior season.
I feel like Marc isn't as well-remembered as some other members of USF's defense from that era, like Anthony Henry or Kawika Mitchell. But to our knowledge, he was the first USF player to be named to a preseason award watch list when was added to the Butkus Award list in 2000.
How He Came To USF: Vassay was one of the Original Group (O.G.) who joined the Bulls' 1996 recruiting class, going through a year of practices and intrasquad scrimmages before finally playing games the next year. Marc played at Miami's Northwestern High School, a high school football powerhouse, where he won a Class 6A state championship in 1995.
Recruiting Rankings: No one was ranking USF recruits back then.
His Best Game: Marc played defensive end against option teams, which USF faced quite a few of during their I-AA/FCS days. Many of his biggest statistical games were against them, including a career high of 14 tackles against Western Kentucky in 1998. Among those were one solo tackle and two assists on carries by USF head coach Willie Taggart.
Fun Fact: According to USF's 2000 media guide, Marc could squat 860 pounds, or roughly five Alex Salvatos.