DeMarkus Acy a bright spot in struggling Mizzou secondary
During the spring of his junior year of high school, DeMarkus Acy and a few teammates would pile into an SUV with their coaches. They’d drive from Dallas across the state of Texas to attend recruiting events and satellite camps, hoping for exposure and a chance to play college football.
Most players cracked jokes or listened to rap music on the long car rides, but Acy would sit in silence. He’d plug in his headphones and pour over highlights of all-pro defensive backs Sean Taylor and Ed Reed — a study session before taking the field in front of recruiters.
“This kid, you wouldn’t even know he was in the truck until we stopped to get a restroom break or grab some food,” said Elzie Barnett, Acy’s coach at Wilmer-Hutchins High School.
Barnett calls Acy the fastest player he’s coached at the school in Dallas that has produced Iowa State defensive back De’Monte Ruth and former Tennessee standout LaDarrell McNeil, a U.S. Army High School All-American. Acy’s speed has carried him to Missouri, where he’s solidified a starting spot on a struggling secondary.
Pro Football Focus, a data-based college and NFL analysis site, ranked Acy third-highest of any player in Missouri’s loss to No. 1 Alabama on Saturday. Acy was not responsible for any Crimson Tide receivers when they scored, and he collected a pass breakup and tackle for a loss.
Though Acy earned a solid grade against Alabama, the secondary as a whole allowed 380 passing yards and three touchdowns. Opponents have averaged over 300 yards through the air against the Tigers this year, and Purdue quarterback David Blough threw for 572 yards the third week of the season.
“I feel like we’ve shown a lot of potential,” Acy said of the secondary. “Potential is a scary word. Either you can go get it or just stay. ... I feel like we still have a lot of work to do.”
Alabama boasts one of the most explosive receiving groups in the country, but Acy’s speed — he was a state-qualifying track runner in high school — helped him limit the players he was covering. He was the bright spot for the Tigers’ secondary, which allowed seven Alabama pass plays over 20 yards.
Acy said he has worked on his demeanor this season. He’s missed only two games since coming to campus in 2016 and is now one of the Tigers’ most experienced defensive backs.
“I feel like I’m getting more vocal as a leader every day, getting more comfortable in that role as I transition into being a senior,” he said.
His teammates have noticed. Linebacker Cale Garrett said Acy is playing with increased confidence lately, and he has heard his voice more.
The Tigers’ defensive backs have faced highly touted quarterbacks two of their past three games. Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa has emerged as a Heisman Trophy front runner, and Georgia’s Jake Fromm has lost only three times since taking over as Bulldogs’ starter last year.
The secondary has easier tasks the coming weeks. Memphis and Kentucky both rely heavily on strong running backs, though Memphis ranks No. 25 nationally in passing yards. Though Missouri is on a three-game losing streak entering Saturday’s homecoming game, Acy feels the team has shown fight.
“I feel like any team in the country is not going to out-physical us,” Acy said. “I tell those guys it’s all about finesse. Just getting in and cleaning up a few details we need, just playing as a collective group.”
Barnett said his former player was fast when he first showed up for football practice as a high school freshman, though the defensive back has had to develop better skills tracking passes once they’ve left the quarterback’s hand.
“I don’t think there’s a day that this kid does not work on his football skill set,” said the coach, who traveled to Alabama to watch Acy play. “Because of that, he’s a unique athlete. He’s one of those that likes the work — knows there’s more work ahead of him — but enjoys the journey.”
When Acy’s at his best, he can shut down some of the country’s most talented receivers. He showed it against Alabama. With a struggling secondary, that’s production the Tigers could use going forward.