Former Penn State quarterback commit Marcus Stokes’ most recent college offer is probably not one most folks saw coming.
Because Stokes reportedly claimed an offer from Albany State, a Division II HBCU program.
That’s interesting because the four-star 2023 prospect, who backed off his commitment to Penn State and pledged to his home state school, Florida, had that offer pulled from the Gators late last year after he posted video to social media of him rapping a song that included a racial slur.
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“I was in my car listening to rap music, rapping along to the words and posted a video of it on social media,” he wrote on Twitter following the uproar. “I deeply apologize for the words in the song that I chose to say. It was hurtful and offensive to many people, and I regret that.”
Stokes said he fully accepted the consequences for his actions, and wrote, “I respect the University of Florida’s decision to withdraw my scholarship offer to play football.”
“My intention was never to hurt anybody and I recognize that even when going along with a song, my words still carry a lot of weight,” he wrote. “I will strive to be better and to become the best version of myself both on and off the field. I know that learning from my mistakes is a first important step.”
At least one reporter late last month openly wondered if Penn State might be willing to welcome Stokes back into the fold, and his coach, Collin Drafts, posted back on Dec. 23 highlighting Stokes’ talent and asking schools to take a look.
“Now that early signing day is over, one of the nation’s top HS QBs is still available in @marcusstokes06,” he wrote. “6,216 total yards and 58 TDs as a (two-year) starter. Elite pocket presence/throwing off platform. True dual-threat ability. Arm talent to push the ball down field. High FB IQ.”
Albany State, which is coached by former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Quinn Gray, has answered that call. Stokes also reportedly has an offer from another Division II program, West Florida.
Stokes passed for 1,778 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior, and ran for another 580 yards and 13 touchdowns. He is a talented player, but there are questions to answer.
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