MARCUS DUPREE

Marcus Dupree is considered one of the most highly recruited high school running backs in college football history. He was part of the first Mississippi class to spend all 12 years in a desegregated school system. In 8th grade he was asked to play for the Philadelphia, MS high school varsity team, where he led the state in rushing, and touchdowns for nearly 4 years. After some of the most vicious, corrupt, and media hyped recruiting processes that the country had ever seen, Marcus Dupree announced that he would leave his home state and attend The University of Oklahoma to play for coach Barry Switzer. During his freshman season, Dupree immediately butted heads with the hard-nosed coach, and was benched for a good portion of the season. Dupree was not given the starting position until the 7th game of the season, however as the starting running back, Dupree carried the Sooners to the highly respectable Fiesta Bowl game where he rushed for a still standing fiesta bowl record of 249 yards on only 19 carries. After the game an angry Switzer criticized Dupree publicly by saying that had he been in shape he could have easily rushed for 400 yards, and was subtly accused of losing the game for his team. Despite his lack of playing time Dupree rushed for 1,144 yards and 13 touchdowns his freshmen season, earning him 2nd team all-american, and newcomer of the year awards. Only four games into his Sophmore season Dupree’s struggles with coach Switzer reached new levels, and with almost no hope for resolution, Dupree decided to go back home to Mississippi. After losing his case for eligibility to play football for SELSU Marcus Dupree decided to turn pro. He signed a 5 year 5 million dollar contract with the New Orleans Breakers. Not even two seasons into his pro career marcus suffered a career ending Knee injury. His contract as well as most of his money was lost due to poor representation in several overdrawn court cases. While he has made several attempts to come back and play football, Dupree has been riddled with injury, and never once stayed healthy for a full professional season. As of 2011 Marcuss Dupree works as a tow truck driver in Philadelphia, Mississippi.