Mustangs Have Workhorse in Everett

Jeff Sims
Monday April 2, 2012

Milwaukee Mustangs wide receivers and special teams coach Damian Harrell was talking about the group of receivers that the Mustangs have this season and noted one guy in particular.

“That guy there, Everett, is probably our best receiver,” he said. “But he is our jack linebacker!”

A true ironman in the Arena Football League? Is that really possible?

In this current era of Arena Football where the definition of an ironman appears to be a player that plays offense and is also the return specialist, actually playing both offense and defense during a game almost seems unheard of. At this early point in the season, Marcus Everett is off to a great start and may be in a class all his own.

“I have set a goal to be the Ironman of the Year this season,” said Everett after his team defeated the Pittsburgh Power 63-40 on Thursday night at the Bradley Center. “I plan on working really hard to make sure that happens and I think so far I am off to a good start.”

On offense in the teams’ three games to this point, Everett has two rushes for 22 yards and one touchdown and five receptions for 72 yards and one touchdown.

On defense through the same three games, Everett has three interceptions for 51 yards. Two of those interceptions have been returned for touchdowns.

In the victory Thursday night, Everett nabbed two interceptions, one for a touchdown, and also recovered a fumble.

While these numbers would not blow away any longtime Arena Football aficionado who longs for the days of ironmen past, it is the respect for the past and his desire to play the game the old-fashioned way that makes what Everett is trying to do special.

“I played wide receiver in college and I love being a receiver,” Everett said. “I was recruited as a defensive player and continue to work really hard to improve in what I was recruited for. The desire to win and be successful is what continues to drive me on both sides of the ball.”

The Milwaukee coaching staff understands that the season is long and takes a toll on the body, but they plan to continue to use Everett in both capacities.

“When you have a guy with the talent that he has, why wouldn’t you use him,” asked Mustangs coach Bob Landsee when asked if this trend of Everett playing both sides of the ball would continue. “We obviously want to win games and put the best talent out on the field, and he can definitely do that for us.”

Even more important, in an era where the game of Arena Football needs players that can make a presence for their individual teams and the league both on and off the field, the Mustangs seem to have found their guy in Everett.

The 6’2”, 205 Everett has been with the Mustangs for the past three seasons, something not many players can proclaim in this league with players signing one year deals each season.

After playing sporadically on defense only in 2010, Everett started 14 of 18 games for the Mustangs in 2011. He recorded 62.5 tackles, four interceptions, four fumble recoveries, two passes broken up, one forced fumble, and one sack for the Mustangs on defense. He caught seven passes for 57 yards and one touchdown on offense.

He is only continuing to get better and improve and will be a player to look out for this season.

After the game Thursday night, Everett could be seen walking through the hallway talking to kids about the game and was open to speaking with anyone that wanted to ask a question.

With the Mustangs needing to get the community behind them, it is guys with high character, passion for the fans, and a love for the game and the city that will help them get there.

A player with offensive, defensive, and public relations skills? That is a true ironman in my book.

Marcus Everett is that guy for the Milwaukee Mustangs.

Other MIL/PIT Game Notes

Pittsburgh starting quarterback Bill Stull left the game in the third quarter after suffering what appeared to be a shoulder injury. Back-up quarterback Andrico Hines completed the game for the Power.

The Mustangs also played their back-up quarterback, Shane Boyd, for the last part of the fourth quarter after the outcome of the game had been determined.

It is apparent that the effort is there to improve things in Milwaukee. The players, coaching staff, and front office all appear to be on the same page. The team moved their offices to the downtown area in Milwaukee. There is a strong effort to increase marketing and getting word out that the team is playing and plans to stay in the city. The overall game experience was much more organized than it had been the past couple of seasons. Hopefully the effort pays off.