In high school, Marcus has been active in football, track and field, FFA, DECA, and FBLA.  As an athlete, he received first team all-conference and first team all-district honors his junior and senior year in both football and track and field.  Marcus was named to the all-state football team in 2008 and 2009 for his performances as quarterback for the Tipton Cardinals. 

"Marcus has experienced a lot of success throughout high school," said MVC Head Football Coach Paul Troth.  "He is a great competitor and leader.  He has so much potential and we are glad that he has chosen Valley."

Marcus is the son of Bob and Elane Brinkley of Tipton, Mo. Bob, a 1980 MVC alumnus, was inducted into the MVC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009.