RICHMOND, Ky. – "The School of Opportunity" is a moniker brandished by Eastern Kentucky University highlighting the opportunities that exist on the Campus Beautiful and far beyond to prospective students.
 
A mantra that is at the foundation of the institution providing opportunity to those who seek it.
 
It is that opportunity that presented itself to a young linebacker out of South Florida that was in search of one, and one Maddox Marcellus has made the most of in just his second year as a Colonel.
 
His opportunity at EKU was hard-earned with a tumultuous high school career spent looking for a chance.
 
"My freshman year of high school I was like most guys just playing JV," said Marcellus. "From there I tried to transfer to my brother's school, but they wouldn't let me, and I ended up at a random public school, and I didn't even play my sophomore year. Come junior year I finally got into my brother's school and had a really good season and got some attention."
 
There was another curveball from life coming though as Marcellus fractured his pelvis the Spring before his senior season threatening to take away his opportunity.
 
"After I fractured my pelvis all the recruiting kind of went away," said Marcellus. "I had a decent senior year, but I passed on some other FCS offers because I thought I was going to get picked up by FIU (Florida International University) or FAU (Florida Atlantic University). They went with other guys though, so I was kind of out after the first signing period, but then EKU came along, and I liked the coaches and the atmosphere and knew I had to go make the most of the opportunity in front of me."
 
Committing on his visit in head coach Walt Wells' office, Marcellus had fallen in love with EKU and surrounding community and was ready to take the university up on its promise of being the school of opportunity.
 
"When me and my family came up, it just felt right," said Marcellus. "I love Richmond and EKU; it was the change of pace I needed and it's just who I am."
 
His opportunity to see the field came sooner than even he expected, playing in 10 games his freshman season even forcing a fumble in the 2023 season finale against Stephen F. Austin.
 
"I wouldn't believe you if you told me I was playing my freshman year here," said Marcellus. "When I got here, there were so many talented and older guys that I was just hoping to make the travel roster. I got in though and started to make a couple of plays towards the end."
 
Playing a supporting role for much of his freshman season, the young linebacker would be pushed to the forefront on the field and in the locker room in 2024 with linebackers Kylan Robinson and Kyle Kelly suffering season ending knee injuries.
 
"I like to think I've matured a lot in a year both in football and in being a leader," said Marcellus. "After Kylan went down, he pulled me aside and told me 'You got to step up now and lead. It doesn't matter that you're young you just got to go do it.' "
 
Playing above his age is nothing new to Marcellus though.
 
"I've been playing up in age my whole life," said the linebacker. "It's a confidence that has been instilled in me by my dad. When I was playing little league growing up, I would be six, but he'd pull me up to play with the nine-year-olds. So being the youngest but playing at a high level is nothing new to me."
 
Such confidence is well warranted as Marcellus has been an anchor as an interior linebacker his sophomore season for the Colonels recording 59 total tackles with 12 being for losses.
 
Most recently against Utah Tech he tallied seven tackles, two tackles-for-loss, and added the first score of his young collegiate career with a 23-yard scoop-and-score.
 
Though early in his career, it is safe to say that Maddox Marcellus is seizing his opportunity at "The School of Opportunity."
 
With a lot of football left in front of him, the sophomore is unsure of what he wants to do with his future, but he is certain about one thing.
 
"There have been so many people that have invested in me and helped me have the opportunities that got me here," said Marcellus. "I might want to go into real estate, sports management, or even coaching when football is eventually done, but regardless I want to be in a position to give back and give others their opportunity."