Reebok Top 25 Most Dynamic Athletes: Marlon Humphrey

His father starred at running back for the University of Alabama. His mother was a sensational runner at UAB.

His sisters, Breona and Brittley, are two of the best track runners in Hoover (Ala.) history while his older brother, Maudrecus, has his name on several track records at the Birmingham-area powerhouse.

See our special Marlon Humphrey photo gallery

In many ways, it’s not surprising that Marlon Humphrey is one of the nation’s most dynamic athletes.



Still, even with his pedigree, the 6-foot, 180-pound defensive back and hurdler has exceeded any possible expectations for his high school career. He has become one of the greatest runners in Alabama state history, has represented the United States against international competition and has proven himself to be one of the country’s most elite high school football players, bar none. How good is he? Out of every football player in Alabama, we picked Humphrey as the preseason Mr. Football for the state, part of our story that selected the Mr. Football for each state in the union.

“His plate is always full,” said Hoover football coach Josh Niblett.

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Hometown: Hoover, Ala.


School: Hoover High School (enrollment 2,592)


Sports: Football (defensive back), Track (Hurdles, 400m)


College plans: Humphrey insists he is keeping an open mind when it comes to his college recruitment, but most expect him to end up at his father’s alma mater, Alabama. He also hopes to run track at the college level.




All in the family: Humphrey is the middle child of five siblings. His two older siblings and younger sister all have run track for the Hoover program.


Coach speak: “We want guys that are great athletes. We want great football players, but we want football players who are great athletes.”
- Hoover football coach Josh Niblett on two-sport athletes
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Humphrey jumped into starting lineup for Hoover as a sophomore and proved to be a shutdown cornerback.

He helped Hoover to a 13-2 record (and nearly a state title) en route to capturing MaxPreps Sophomore All-American honors.

As a junior last fall, Humphrey led one of the nation’s top secondaries and guided Hoover to an undefeated season and a Class 6A state title. It was perhaps the finest season in Hoover’s storied history.

"He's a great player," said Niblett. "He allows us to do a lot of different things in the secondary."

Here’s a list of Humphrey’s football-related achievements:



* MaxPreps Sophomore All-American in 2011

* MaxPreps Junior All-American in 2012

* Class 6A all-state selection in 2012

* Captured state title in 2012

* Ranked No. 7 in the Top247 for the Class of 2014
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For as good as Humphrey is on the gridiron, he might be even more special in the sport of track and field.

In his 10th-grade season, he won or was part of five state titles in various events.



As a junior, he was even better. In a single meet, he set three all-classification state records, including the 400 meters (48.11 seconds), the 60 (6.89) and the 60 hurdles (7.8).

His time in the 60 hurdles was good for No. 2 nationally. In the spring, he had the fastest time in the country in three different hurdle events: 110 (13.38), 300 (35.60) and 400 (50.25).

Humhprey’s other track accomplishments:

* Five state titles as a sophomore

* As a junior, he posted the nation’s fastest time in three different events

* He owns three state records



* He was named the Birmingham News Track Athlete of the Year in 2012

* He was also the Birmingham News Metro Athlete of the Year and Track Athlete of the Year in 2013
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