Marcus Stroud was a standout defensive lineman on Brooks County’s 1994 Class A championship team as a junior, and became an AJC Super 11 pick entering his senior year. As a junior, he registered 75 tackles and 13 sacks and followed that with 76 tackles and eight sacks as a senior. He was named to All-State teams both seasons. At 6 feet, 6 inches and 266 pounds, Stroud was a blue-chip prospect and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated ahead of the 1996 National Signing Day. The cover showed Stroud ripping off a University of Florida shirt to reveal a Georgia shirt underneath, making him an instant Bulldogs legend. In Athens, Stroud was a three-year starter who helped the program re-build under coach Jim Donnan. He was an All-SEC defensive tackle in 2000, and finished his career with 142 career tackles, 10.5 tackles for losses and 5.5 sacks. Stroud entered the NFL Draft in 2001, and the Jacksonville Jaguars took him with the No. 13 overall pick. Playing defensive tackle at 300 pounds, Stroud played 10 NFL seasons, nine as a starter. He played seven seasons with the Jaguars and three with the Buffalo Bills. He finished with 62 tackles for losses and 29.5 sacks in his career, and made three consecutive Pro Bowl teams (2003-05).
The Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame honors and celebrates the rich history, achievements, and contributions of high school football players, coaches, and supporters across the state.
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