For cornerback Marcus Alford, his senior season is right around the corner. Alford came to Northern Arizona University after a stellar high school campaign at Rio Mesa in Oxnard, Calif. By the end of Alford's sophomore season at NAU, he was already being looked at as someone who was deemed a "leader" proving that he was an asset to the football program on and off the field.

At Rio Mesa, Alford earned All-CIF, All-County and All-League honors. His senior year he was named the team's most valuable player. Alford knew that he was a good football player in high school, but a successful career after Rio Mesa would require much more hard work and dedication.

"I came in competing really well, but a high ankle sprain kept me from playing my first season," said Alford. "I turned an unfortunate situation into a positive one as I used it as time to get better and to learn the system more."

Alford's year as a redshirt freshman saw him compete in seven games, while still getting acclimated to college football.

In his sophomore season, Alford earned Big Sky Honorable Mention recognition and was named the team's Defensive Outstanding Sophomore of the Year. Alford started 11 of 12 games and excelled on defense and special teams. His 96-yard kickoff return on the road at Cal Poly was the sixth longest KR in school history as he made his way to the end zone for the score.

If Alford appears to have more speed than the average cornerback, that's because he was a part of a record-setting 4x100 track team at Rio Mesa. Alford turned that speed into a valuable talent on the football field that would keep him one step ahead of the wide receivers he was defending.   

Alford's dominating speed was shown many times throughout his junior year, grabbing three interceptions – tying for a team-high – and turning one of them into a pick-six.

Getting better doesn't happen overnight. Not even for the best.

"You can't cheat yourself," Alford said. "Every little thing counts. I watch a lot of film, study my opponents and use my speed to sit down on routes. Last year we lost a few games by a small margin, so everything you do matters. From extra reps to running off the field, it all matters."

Alford was a Big Sky First Team selection last season, but before the first game of the year was even played, he was called upon to be a mentor for the secondary and the defense as a whole.

 "As a leader, I have to set the standard," Alford said. "The team is only going to play as hard as I play. I have to come with high intensity and effort every day."

Fans may not know that Alford spent his first 10 years as a kid growing up in Mobile, Ala. While in Alabama, Alford began playing tackle football around the age of four and never stopped.

"When it comes to football, I love the feeling of making plays; I always have," said Alford. "Whether I'm the one making the play or my teammates, I love the feeling you get from it."

Alford earned All-American honors as a junior, and would love to be named to the first team his senior year. He was one of the top pass defenders in the nation last season, but a goal of Alford's in 2015 is to lead the NCAA in interceptions.

Alford knows that he's depended on to be a leader at all times, and with a new group of freshmen coming in this fall he has a few words of wisdom to share.

"As a newcomer you have to come ready to compete every day," Alford said. "You can't take a day off and think that your athleticism will get you through the day. You have to come with a competitive mindset each and every play."

With their eyes set on winning a Big Sky and National Championship, Alford and his teammates must continue to work hard, stay humble, remain confident, and be #NAUStrong.