New Faces: Marc Tyler

After amassing an amazing 8,000 yards and 123 touchdowns in high school, Marc Tyler was a five-star recruit, Gatorade Player of the Year and No. 1-rated back in the country with NFL bloodlines. Fans all around the country eagerly awaited Marc’s college decision, hoping he could carry their team to a national championship.

Tyler chose USC, AKA running back U, and greatness was expected. Unfortunately, most news involving Tyler at USC was anything but great. Tyler was forced to redshirt his freshman year due to a broken leg suffered his senior year of high school.  He appeared in 8 games as a reserve his redshirt freshman year and was poised to be one of the featured backs moving forward. Tyler’s sophomore season started with promise as he rushed for 74 yards and a touchdown in the team’s first game against San Jose State. Unfortunately for Tyler, that would be the only game he would play in all season; a sprained toe led to season-ending surgery.

Tyler stayed healthy throughout his junior and senior years, but the results on the field were unspectacular. In fact, Tyler became better known for his antics off the field than his play on it.

Now, all expectations have washed away. Tyler is an undrafted free agent and a long shot to make the roster. Tyler is welcoming the move to Green Bay and has said he’s looking forward to what the quiet Midwest offers.

With Brandon Saine and Du’anne Bennett both out with injuries, Tyler should have ample opportunities to leave a mark. The timing couldn’t be any better, either. After recently missing a few training camp practices because of a shoulder injury, Tyler soon returned and has felt comfortable with the shoulder brace he’s been told to wear during practices and games.

Avoiding the limelight and staying healthy is Tyler’s best shot at making the roster. If the young running back can make his mark on special teams, he could eventually fit into the backfield rotation.