Thunder's Markray is a team player

By John Bassetti

YOUNGSTOWN — The guy with three first names — Derrick Markray — has started all nine games as offensive guard for the Mahoning Valley Thunder.

Granted, eight of those nine have been losses, but he’s not alone.

The 24-year-old Detroit native is 1/22nd of the problem, just as he would be 1/22nd part of the solution if the af2 team were 8-1.

Although he’s not thrilled with the team’s current malaise, he’s adhering to a stoic “live with the team, die with the team” attitude.

Just as he’s willing to accept some of the responsibility in the tailspin, Markray wouldn’t abandon a buddy in trouble.

Like Jerrick Jeffreys, the center and his sidekick in battle.

Markray is serious about his bond with Jeffreys, also a nine-game starter at his position.

“He’s quiet and doesn’t say much but he’s intense. I’d love to be in a foxhole with that guy because I know if someone threw a grenade in that hole, he’d jump on it for me and I’d do the same for him,” said Markray.

That sort of do-or-die loyalty is refreshing as the Thunder’s struggles continue following a 61-39 loss to Kentucky last Saturday.

Mahoning Valley continues through the second half of the season which has seven games left, the next of which is at Milwaukee on Friday.

“We turned the ball over our first two offensive possessions and that came back to haunt us in the end,” said Markray. “Had we not done that, who knows what the outcome of the game would have been?”

The offense is busy digesting the changes brought in by Chris McKeown, who is also the offensive coordinator.

“We keep trying to learn this new offense,” Markray (6-foot-4, 350 pounds) said. “Coach is going to put us in a position to win. As players, we need to execute. Unfortunately, coaches can’t be in the game with us. We have to take control. We’re real close. We just have to make sure we protect the football and make zero mistakes.”

Markray, who started two of the three years he played at Bowling Green, was in camp with the New Orleans Saints, then on the practice squad of the AFL’s Grand Rapids Rampage.

That’s when he came to Mahoning Valley for the last two games of 2008. Then he was going to sign with the San Jose SabreCats when the AFL suspended its 2009 season.

He’s clear that he doesn’t want to be an af2 lifer, but he’s not along for the ride, either.

“I’m not here to only condition myself, but to have a chance to get back to the highest level,” he said. “I saw a few guys obtain that [NFL] from this level.”

Under MacKeown, the quarterback will get rid of the ball faster.

“The old offense [under coach Mike Hold and offensive coordinator Andy Kelly] was good, but it put a lot of pressure on the quarterback,” Markray said. “This one is a little more aggressive and versatile. Not only does it give the quarterback a quick release, but now we’re starting to implement the run more, which helps take pressure off the quarterback.”

“It’s a fast game, so you want to take pressure off those guys [QBs] and put it in the hands of veteran guys who actually played arena longer.”

From his position, Markray, whose main job is to protect the quarterback, described differences between starters Blake Powers and Davon Vinson.

“Blake is more vocal and will try to get everybody riled up and together and is more likely to stand in the pocket and throw it,” he said.

“Davon is more laid back and the type who, once he gets the ball in his hands, will not only throw it, but try to make something happen with his legs. A lot of times, I don’t have to look around for him because I see him running past me.”

Markray likes his teammates, but not the pay.

“It’s enjoyable building relationships and networking with these guys. We all have a goal and dream to elevate to another level,” he said. “I’m around a great group who aren’t about to get into trouble and into the wrong things. Everybody’s here to have clean fun and to achieve a goal at the same time. If I know the guy next to me is playing harder than I am, I’m going to fight to play even harder than he is. That’s what makes it worthwhile.”

The downside?

“The pay,” he said. “There’s not too much you can do with $200 before tax. We all made sacrifices to come here. Some of us left good jobs and families back home where we were making way more money than this. You come here to achieve a dream.”

bassetti@vindy.com