Book Private Football Lessons with Coach Mark

I have played collegiate and am currently playing professional football. At Duke University, I earned 1st Team All-ACC honors and was named a Second Team USA Today All-American. After going undrafted in 2021, I signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers and quickly made a mark as an undrafted free agent signing to the practice squad. Later that year, I joined the Detroit Lions active roster, where I played through the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

In 2023, I returned to the Pittsburgh Steelers as a member of their practice squad before transitioning to the USFL, where I played for the Pittsburgh Maulers. I earned All-USFL honors being one of two cornerbacks to receive such honors.

After this USFL season, I signed with the Miami Dolphins where I had a short stint before transitioning to the UFL.

Now in 2025, I continue my professional career having just finishing a season with the Memphis Showboats in the UFL.

With my professional experience, I bring a level of knowledge and insight that goes beyond what the average coach can offer. Having played at the professional level, I understand how the game is taught and played at its highest levels, which allows me to provide a more advanced and comprehensive approach to player development.

I focus on not only refining a player’s technique but also on enhancing their football IQ, helping them see the game from a strategic, high-level perspective. I can teach players the fundamental principles that the top athletes rely on—such as proper footwork, positioning, reading the game, and decision-making under pressure. These skills are the foundation of success at every level of football, from high school to the pros.

In addition, my ability to break down complex concepts into simple, understandable lessons ensures that players can learn and apply these skills effectively. I work closely with each player to identify their strengths and areas for growth, and I tailor my coaching methods to fit their individual learning styles and needs. My goal is to help players develop the skills, mindset, and confidence necessary to reach their full potential.

By working with me, players will gain a deeper understanding of the game, improve their technique, and become more effective on the field, all while learning the game the way it’s played at the highest levels.

A typical football training session will last between 1 to 1.5 hours and is always goal-oriented, with a clear focus on the specific area we aim to improve that day. Each session is structured to provide a balanced mix of skill development, mental preparation, and game understanding.

For example, one session might focus on *transitions and breaks*—working on a player's ability to shift quickly from offense to defense or vice versa, or refining their ability to explode out of a break during a route. The drills would be tailored to improving footwork, body control, and timing, all essential for smooth transitions.

On another day, the focus could shift to *flipping the hips and studying routes*. In this session, we’d break down the fundamentals of route running, focusing on sharp cuts, route precision, and the technique required for flipping the hips to maintain balance and speed while turning.

There are also sessions that focus on *game situations*, where we take a step back from physical drills and engage in discussions about strategy, decision-making, and situational awareness. Talking through different scenarios can be incredibly beneficial, as it helps players learn how to think critically on the field—whether it’s recognizing defensive schemes, adjusting to different formations, or understanding how to react under pressure.

The structure of the session will vary depending on what we’re working on, but it always ensures that we’re targeting key areas for improvement. Each drill is designed to be challenging yet achievable, and the goal is for players to leave each session with a clear understanding of what they’ve worked on and how they can continue to improve.

Derek Jones and Chris Hampton were instrumental in my development as a player, and they stand out as my two favorite coaches. Coach Jones was key in helping me understand the nuances of playing cornerback. His coaching style emphasized not just the physical aspects of the position but also the mental and technical details that make a great corner. His ability to break down the game and teach the art of coverage and anticipation was invaluable in shaping my skills.

On the other hand, Coach Chris Hampton played a major role in elevating my football IQ. He has a unique ability to simplify complex concepts and teach them in ways that made it easy to grasp the strategic side of the game. Whether it was understanding offensive tendencies, defensive schemes, or game situations, Coach Hampton always pushed me to think faster and smarter on the field. Together, they helped me become a more complete player, both physically and mentally.

As a coach, my approach is grounded in hard work, patience, and personalization. I understand that every athlete is different, and I take the time to tailor training to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual. My priority is to help athletes grow not only in their physical abilities but also in their mental toughness. I believe in pushing athletes to their limits, but always in a healthy and constructive way. There will be moments when they feel like they can’t continue, and that’s where I step in—not just to guide them through those challenges, but to help them realize that they are capable of overcoming them. My goal is to build confidence, discipline, and resilience in every athlete I work with, ensuring they not only perform better but also learn the value of perseverance both on and off the field.