#24 Marcus Buggs

SINGLE-GAME HIGHS
SOLO TACKLES: 7, at Navy, 9/25/2004

2006
Developed into one of the most productive defensive performers and a leader for unit during redshirt junior campaign… Punishing tackler started every game at weakside linebacker… Topped the team with 10.5 tackles for loss, the most by a Commodore in four years… Also ranked third on team with 40 solo tackles and fourth with 50 total tackles… Shared team high with four quarterback hurries while contributing a pair of QB sacks, an interception and fumble recovery… Produced at least three tackles in 10 of 12 starts… Shared team[apos]s Defensive Player of the Week honors with DT Theo Horrocks after performance against Arkansas that included three tackles for loss and six total tackles…. Also posted two tackles for loss, including a sack, in win over Temple… First career interception came in win over rival Tennessee State… Finished the year with at least four tackles in five of the last six games.

2005
Following a move to linebacker in Spring Practice, played in every game at strongside linebacker… Earned starts against Georgia and Tennessee… Finished season with 17 solo tackles, 29 total tackles and one tackle for loss… Had at least one tackle in every game… In season opener at Wake Forest, posted four tackles, a tackle for loss and first career forced fumble… Season high of five tackles came in win over Richmond… Also contributed four tackles in season-ending victory at Tennessee.

2004
Played in 10 of 11 games… Started twice at free safety, including win over Mississippi State, as replacement for Kelechi Ohanaja… First collegiate start came at Navy… Slowed by injury at end of season… Contributed a tackle for loss and defensed pass in career high seven-tackle performance at Navy… Added five tackles in win over Miss. State.

2003
Redshirted after playing in opening-season game versus Ole Miss… Season-ending knee injury came in practice before UT-Chattanooga game… Participated in 2003 spring drills, but missed contact rehabilitating from injury.

High School
Captain and two-year starter at tailback and cornerback for Middle Tennessee prep power… Averaged 11.3 yards per carry (878 yards on 78 attempts) and scored 17 TDs to lead team to 11-2 record and berth in 2002 state playoffs… Also contributed 15 solo tackles and a blocked kick… Missed final prep playoff game with ankle injury… Squad won state title in 2001… Rushed for 705 yards and 13 TDs as junior… Named team[apos]s MVP and All-Region as senior; All-State and All-Region as junior… Gained 238 yards against Father Ryan and 191 yards against Battleground Academy in 2002… Earned four letters in track with personal best of 10.7 in 100 meters.

Academics
Buggs is majoring in Human and Organizational Development.

Personal
Marcus Leon Buggs… Born and raised in Nashville metro area… Son of Leon and Carolyn Buggs… Parents are restaurant owners in Madison community north of Nashville… Has an older sister, Leslie… A cousin, Waymon Buggs, starred as receiver for Vanderbilt in early 1980s… Named to Principal[apos]s List in high school.