Mar’Quan Gary a scary weapon for Normal Community

NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — When Mar'Quan Gary first started playing football, he thought he wanted to be a running back.

That was his position. But since he moved to wide receiver three years ago, he's found the spot where he's the most comfortable.

And the most dangerous.

"I was a running back all the way until my sophomore year," Gary said. "Then I switched to outside receiver, now I'm an inside receiver. I love the slot because I can move around. I can get jet (sweeps). I Iike it."

Gary is catching passes, getting into the endzone and causing headaches for opposing defenses.

"I've played with him since freshman year. He was a running back. We put in a lot of extra work, doing routes, timing stuff," said Normal Community QB Kyle Beatty. "We have a lot of stuff planned for him because he's special. Once you get him the ball, he makes plays."

Clearly, he's a veteran playmaker. And he's put Normal Community (6-1) in position for another Big 12 title and deep playoff run.

"We have got me, Kyle Beatty, Calen Taylor. A powerful defense. I don't think anybody can stop us," Gary said. "If we continue to work, we'll put up numbers. We've been playing with each other for four years. We know what we have to do to score points."

Normal Community plays at Champaign Centennial this week and finishes the regular season hosting Peoria High. He'll play college football at ISU next year.

But for now, he's enjoying his senior year at Normal Community. A long way away from the days when he first picked up a football as a young boy, dreaming of being a running back.

"I've been playing since I was six or seven. Playing with my cousins and brother," said Gary. " I'm the only one still playing."