Undersized to Undeniable: Connor Marcum blazes a trail as an explosive playmaker for East Prairie

EAST PRAIRIE, Mo. — From the depths of being dismissed as undersized and overlooked, Connor Marcum has defied expectations to become a rising star, capturing the attention of the Southeast Missouri sports world. 

Over the past two seasons, Marcum fearlessly competed on East Prairie’s varsity football team as a freshman and sophomore. Despite his age and physical stature, he displayed remarkable potential and had some standout moments. However, he often faced adversity due to his youth. 

Now, as a junior, Marcum stands on the precipice of a breakout season, empowered by the early challenges that fueled his growth and shaped him into the versatile and well-rounded player he is today. As an upperclassman, he finally finds himself on equal physical footing, ready to make his mark on Eagles football. 

East Prairie's Josh Gephart (36) and Connor Marcum (5) celebrate after a touchdown during�a 28-24 win over Charleston at Eagles Stadium on Friday, August 25, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

“When you’re blessed with natural size and physical advantages, it’s tempting to rely solely on those gifts,” said East Prairie football coach David Stalker. “But [Marcum] knew he had to compensate by perfecting the little things and executing them with precision. He had to learn to be quicker, more agile, run better routes and play more fundamentally sound on defense. It’s the perfect recipe and concoction of what you want a football player to be.”

With a steadfast determination and an understanding of the importance of honing his skills, Marcum’s relentless pursuit of excellence set him apart from his peers. He’s dedicated countless hours to training, pushing himself beyond his limits to improve his speed, agility, strength and overall technique. 

“He is the definition of a leader and a hard worker,” Stalker said. “He inspires others to follow him. He not only sets a high standard for himself but also holds teammates accountable, pushing them to reach new heights.”

East Prairie's Connor Marcum (5) delivers a big hit on Charleston's DeShaun Henderson (30) during the Eagles'�28-24 win over Charleston at Eagles Stadium on Friday, August 25, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

In addition to his exceptional skills and work ethic, the speedster also possesses a great football mind and IQ, allowing him to make decisions, read the field and evaluate the performance of his teammates through his insights and analysis. 

“It’s like having another coach out there on the field,” Stalker said. “The kid watches 20 or 30 hours of film a week on his own, not including what we watch as a team. He’s learned so much that he’s coming up with ideas out there on defense on how he can stop the opposing offense.”

Marcum is a true Swiss Army knife on the field, excelling in positions across offense, defense and special teams. Renowned for his speed, outstanding route running and electrifying athleticism. His versatility is further evidenced by his success as one of the top long jumpers in the area in track and field, as well as a standout basketball player at East Prairie for the past two seasons. 

East Prairie's Connor Marcum (5) runs�during a 58-32 loss to NMCC on Friday, September 1, 2023.Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

“Every team we face presents unique challenges,” Stalker said. “Having a player as dynamic as [Marcum] makes it easier for us to exploit weaknesses. We can utilize him out wide, stretching the field with a post-route, or we can rely on him to power through tackles. Last year, as our team gained momentum in the latter part of the season, he became a crucial factor in all areas of the game.

“Defensively, Marcum’s presence is felt everywhere on the field,” Stalker added. “He consistently is making game-changing plays that can sway a game.”

Marcum has kicked off the year in impressive fashion. In the season opener against Charleston, he tallied seven carries for 79 yards and four receptions for 102 yards, resulting in two touchdowns. 

East Prairie's Connor Marcum (5) runs during�a 28-24 win over Charleston at Eagles Stadium on Friday, August 25, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

He continued to impress in the following game against the talented New Madrid County Central team, recording four receptions for 101 yards, including a touchdown, and adding four rushes for 29 yards. 

Marcum has also made an impact on defense and special teams, consistently contributing to various aspects of the game.

“I’ve played well, but the best is yet to come,” Marcum said. “I play football because it helps me become a better person and overall athlete. Every practice, every drill, I try my best to give it my all and make every moment count.”

East Prairie's Connor Marcum (5) tries to convince the referee he made the catch during�a 28-24 win over Charleston at Eagles Stadium on Friday, August 25, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

From the moment Marcum stepped onto the field as a freshman, he left a lasting impression. In his very first varsity game, he returned a fumble for a touchdown, displaying a natural instinct for seizing opportunity and making a significant contribution to the team’s success.

“Football just gets me pumped up,” he continued. “I genuinely love everything about it. Whenever I step onto the field, I feel this burst of energy, and I can’t wait to go all out. Speed is definitely my weapon, but I also hit the gym as much as I can and study the game inside out. I want to know it better than anyone else.”

While Marcum does harbor some individual aspirations, such as earning an all-state recognition this season, his primary focus remains grounded in a team-first approach. While personal achievements hold value, he champions that the success of the team as a whole outweighs individual accolades. 

East Prairie's Connor Marcum (5) and Ty Wallace (1) celebrate after a score during a�28-24 win over Charleston at Eagles Stadium on Friday, August 25, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

“I’m driven by the desire to win games,” he said. “It’s not about one player, but rather the collective effort of our entire team. When we come together, work hard and maintain a positive mindset, I truly believe we can have a successful season. I just want to thank Coach Stalker and the entire coaching staff because they have built something special so fast in East Prairie. It wasn’t easy, but they made football fun again, not just for our team, but for the entire East Prairie community.”

As the season progresses, Marcum hopes to continue on an upward trend and looks forward to facing tougher opponents, viewing each matchup as an opportunity to prove himself, while also serving as a mentor to the younger players on the team. 

“Football isn’t easy,” Stalker concluded. “If it was, you’d see everyone out there on that field. It’s tough and full of hurdles, but that’s where Marcum shines. He doesn’t shy away from adversity; he meets it head-on. He’s so positive, he makes other kids feel comfortable around him, no matter their level of play. He values every single person and he makes things run smoother and faster.”