IU DB Marcelino Ball 'Finna Have Fun' in 2021
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Marcelino Ball talks to the media on Thursday Image: Indiana University Athletics
Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)
Sixth-year senior defensive back Marcelino Ball has found perspective at the ripe old age of 22. The Hoosier veteran has had a change of attitude after a knee injury knocked him out of the 2020 season in fall camp. An injury that left him to hobble up his apartment stairs and change his outlook on the game of football and his college experience.
“I'm going to be in this team room until December after that is oh I'm in the real world, man.” Ball said. “I gotta go do something, you know I'm saying I can't play football for free no move I gotta, you know what I'm saying so, while I'm in college. The six years. Yeah, I'm finna have fun.”
Ball came to Indiana prior to the 2016 season and instantly became a star on defense as he was named a freshman All-American. He was all business then and even after a couple injuries sidelined him for parts of two seasons.
“Four years ago I felt like I was just all about business, and I still am. But, you know, changes in my life, allow me to just relax even, even in the pressure times I leave everybody I'm just relaxed.” Ball explained. He couldn’t put his younger persona into words, only a flexing gesture like he was the Incredible Hulk.
Ball’s personality came out during Big Ten Media Days in Indianapolis when he asked playful questions to teammates and even asked coach Tom Allen who his favorite sixth-year player was. Spoiler, it was Ball.
Ball’s journey at IU has been a roller coaster where IU has qualified for three bowl games as well as suffer through two 5-7 seasons.
“Coming in as a freshman wanting to just take over the world and we ended up short. We went to a bowl game but ended up short. In my sophomore year we didn't go [to a bowl game], and it hurt. Junior year we ended up short again. I know what it feels like to be a loser.” Ball said.
When Ball leaves the IU program at the end of the 2021 season he will have left the program in a much different and better place than when he started his Hoosier journey.
“In 2019 we took that leap. We fell short in 2019 and 2020, but we still took that leap like you have all seen. It was an obvious leap. My perspective is different.” Ball explained. “You always want to be around winners. I was always a follower. I always wanted to follow someone who was going to lead me to success. Now, I'm that guy and people are looking to me in some way, shape or form to be the leader. All those years following guys that are successful, now it's time for me to take on that torch. Going into this year I feel like I can be an asset as far as leading us to success and continuing to win.”
Ball is slated to be the Hoosiers starting Husky as they enter fall camp. One can see that he found his joy again after a year away from the game he loves. He is ready to have fun in his final season and Hoosier fans should be excited to see what Ball’s new perspective brings to Indiana’s defense.