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Ohio Athletics Mourns Passing of Former Nose Guard Marcellis Williamson
April 28, 2011 Donation Link for the Memorial Fund
ATHENS, Ohio - Former Ohio nose guard Marcellis Williamson passed away late Wednesday afternoon in Cleveland, Ohio. The East Cleveland native, who graduated last fall with a degree in Recreation Management following his redshirt senior season with the Bobcats, was 23 years old. "Marcellis had a wonderful personality and was appreciated, not by just his football family, but by others on campus," said Ohio head coach Frank Solich. "He was an excellent football player whose ability to supply leadership to the program was respected by his teammates. He was devoted to being as good as he could be on the field, in the weight room and in the classroom. We offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family." Williamson (6-1, 327) started all 27 of the Bobcats' games at nose guard in 2009 and 2010, amassing 37 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss and one pass breakup as a senior. For his career, he posted 86 total tackles (21 solo) with 10.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. His career-high of seven tackles came at Marshall on Sept. 25. He helped the program reach heights previously unattained, as Ohio reached two Mid-American Conference Championship Games and recorded three bowl appearances during his career. The services of team chaplain Mark Heflin and Athletes in Action contact Lee Renfro, a former Ohio linebacker and teammate of Williamson, have been made available to grieving members of the team. Funeral arrangements have not been announced by the family at this time. Ohio University has established a memorial fund for the Williamson family to defray the costs of the funeral service. Checks may be mailed to the Ohio Football Office at: Marcellis Williamson Memorial Fund Peden Stadium Tower Complex Athens, Ohio 45701 and should be also made out to the "Marcellis Williamson Memorial Fund". It is also possible to donate online by clicking here.
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