Marcus Merriweather is on the cover of the Ball State football media guide, but the acclaim does not concern him.
He is on this year's football poster and is also being hyped for the Doak Walker and All-American awards this season and does not think much of it either.
"It doesn't make me feel any differently," Merriweather said. "It's just you get a little more attention. I'm the same old Marcus. I'm not going to be any different because I'm a candidate for any awards."
Teammates describe Merriweather as a leader by example.
"Marcus is not a real vocal guy," said Talmadge Hill, quarterback. "And I don't really know if he likes to be in the spotlight. I think guys look at him as a leader, in that he does his job week in and week out and works hard."
To add to the hype, Merriweather is up to break some Ball State records this season, including career rushing yardage.
"I really don't think about anything like that," Merriweather said. "Basically I just play to the best of my ability and that kind of stuff just comes along with it."
Bernie Parmalee, who played with the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets, set the record in 1990, rushing for a total of 3,483 yards.
Merriweather set the single-season rushing record last year with 1,244 yards. After the Missouri game last weekend, he stands 984 yards short of the all-time rushing record. He attributes his success to the offensive line.
"Those guys deserve all the credit," Merriweather said. "They make it all happen. If it weren't for them, none of those yards would be possible. One guy can't run through 11 defenders."
This season is important to Merriweather because it is his final year with the football team. Teaching the younger players the ropes is something Merriweather prides himself on.
"Being a leader as a senior, it's my last go-around," Merriweather said. "I'm kind of setting the tone in practice and games, and what is expected of us."
Bringing in three players in the 2002 recruiting class this year, the Cardinals have a long list at the tailback position.
"I just try to share my knowledge with them and let them know what to expect," Merriweather said.
Along with teaching the younger guys and being a leader, Merriweather wants to get a better start on the season, win the Mid-American Conference and become more experienced as a football player.
"It's a great feeling," Hill said, "Not only is he talented, he's experienced. He understands the offense and is the type of guy you can trust. He's a good all-around player."
The fifth-year senior, one of the most experienced players on the team, wants to continue learning the game.
"I want become more familiar with the game of football," Merriweather said. "I guess you can say we have people who are like students of the game, so you got to try and learn as much as you can to be a better player."
Merriweather takes a lot of pressure off his teammates and places it on opposing defenses through the running game.
"Definitely, when you got somebody back there like that, with that kind of talent, it takes a lot of pressure off yourself to make plays," Hill said.
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