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Pack in the Pros

Where Are They Now? Markell Johnson

Published

2 years ago

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I’m not sure if NC State fans are aware just how good Markell Johnson was for the Pack.

Johnson played point guard for all four years at NC State after being brought in by Mark Gottfried for the 2016 season. However, no one really paid much attention to the pick-up because that season Gottfried also brought in the top rated PG in the country, Dennis Smith Jr.

Markell was no slouch, though. He was the 58th best player in his class, and #10 ranked PG, and while he didn’t get too much run his freshman season, it was obvious that he had more true PG skills than the much more celebrated Dennis Smith Jr.

Johnson had a tight handle, was slippery with his ability change speeds on a dime, and could score on all 3 level. Johnson’s biggest skill, though, was his vision. Johnson was an elite passer, and a guy who could get everyone around him involved.

He was so good at it, that he left Raleigh as the #3 player all-time for career assists with 603. Only Wolfpack legends Chris Corchiani and Sidney Lowe have more.

1) Chris Corchiani, 1988-91 – 1,038
2) Sidney Lowe, 1980-83 – 762
3) Markell Johnson, 2016-2020 – 603

Johnson’s career, however, came to an abrupt end when COVID canceled the NCAA postseason just minutes before State was set to take the floor against #10 Duke (a team they had beaten by 22 earlier in the season, behind an elite 28pt, 9 rebound, 4 assist performance by Johnson)  in the ACC Tournament.

That was the last NC State fans saw of Markell Johnson.

So where is he now?

Johnson didn’t get an NBA look and opted against playing in the G-League. Instead, he headed to overseason to play for Besiktas S.J. in Turkey in 2020-21.

There he got 21 minutes per game, scored 7, and dished out almost 5 assists per game, but struggled to shoot from long range. The loss of his shot was something that had started his senior season at NC State. After shooting over 40% his first two seasons, he struggled with his form and shot just 27% in his final season. This carried over to Turkey where he shot just 24%.

After that season, Johnson headed to Lithuania last year to play for Peino Zvaigzdes, where he had a great season. Johnson scored 12 points and dished out 4 assists per game. He averaged 26 minutes and finally found his shot, hitting 42% of his 3s.

With his shot back, Johnson has a high ceiling as a point guard. A guy that can score 12 to 15 points per game and average around 5 assists per game is going to be extremely marketable and will have a lot of options when looking for his next opportunity.

That brings us to this season.

It appears that Johnson was all set to head to Germany to play for MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg, but had to be replaced at the last minute because of failed physicals.

There isn’t any news out there on why he failed the physical or what his next steps are. We’ll be reaching out to Markell to see if he can give us an update, but we’d assume that unless it’s something serious, we’ll see him land somewhere overseas at some point soon.

 

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Pack in the Pros

Mike Tomlin’s Thoughts on the Steelers Drafting NC State’s Payton Wilson

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5 days ago

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April 29, 2024

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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin was ecstatic that NC State Linebacker Payton Wilson was available for Pittsburgh to pick up with the 98th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

“We had to get comfortable with his medical and we brought him in on a pre draft visit. We allowed our medical experts to really get a good evaluation of him. We talked to him about his injury history. We were at a place of comfort. And so from that perspective, man, we’re really excited about having him.” (Link)

“Man, we’re really excited about Peyton. When we turn his tape on, we see him making all the type of plays you need linebackers to make. He’s a volume tackle player. He makes plays in the passing game from a coverage perspective via interception and pass breakup. He gets after the quarterback in the blitz game. He’s got a very well-rounded skillset. He’s a fluid mover. He can run. Had an opportunity to lay some real up close eyes on him down there in Mobile at the Senior Bowl, we’re thankful we had an opportunity to get him. He’s got all the hardware that comes with some of those things that I described being a Butkus Award winner and so forth. We had to get comfortable with his medical and we brought him in on a pre draft visit. We allowed Our medical experts to really get a good evaluation of him. We talked to him about his injury history. We were at a place of comfort. And so from that perspective, man, we’re really excited about having him.” (Link)

“I think you could characterize it as surprised. I mean, he is an award-winning linebacker, Butkus Award winner. Had an opportunity to get really familiar with him down in Mobile as well. But the linebackers themselves weren’t coming off the board at that juncture. So sometimes they make runs on positions at different times and it hadn’t been a lot of linebackers to that point. I think what he was number five or so.” (Link)

“We’re really excited about Payton. When we turn his tape on, we see him making all the types of plays you need linebackers to make. He’s a volume tackle player. He makes plays in the passing game from a coverage perspective via interception and pass breakup. He gets after the quarterback in the blitz game. He’s got a very well-rounded skill set. He’s a fluid mover. We had to get comfortable with his medical, and we were. We brought him in on a pre-draft visit to allow our medical experts to really get a good evaluation of him. We talked to him about his injury history. We were at a place of comfort, and so from that perspective, we’re really excited about having him.” (Link)

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Pack in the Pros

Payton Wilson will Wear #41 for the Pittsburgh Steelers

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6 days ago

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April 28, 2024

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Former NC State Linebacker Payton Wilson, who was drafted by Pittsburgh in 3rd round on Friday night, will wear the #41 for the Steelers.

Wilson spent his entire collegiate career at NC State wearing the #11. He wore the #11 at Orange High School.

It will take some getting used to recognize him in the #41 jersey. Currently, Steelers Wide Receiver Van Jefferson is wearing the #11.

Here’s a look at other Pittsburgh players who have worn the #41.

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NC State Football

NC State CB Shyheim Battle Receives Invitation to Jets Rookie Mini Camp

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7 days ago

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April 28, 2024

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NC State Cornerback Shyheim Battle has received an invitation from the New York Jets to participate in their Rookie Mini Camp.

Battle had 1 year of eligibility remaining, but declared for the NFL Draft on January 3rd.

He finished this past year as the most experienced player on the Wolfpack’s defense, starting in 41 of the 51 games he has played in dating back to 2019. In a rarity in this day-and-age, Battle was a 4-year starter at the Cornerback position for NC State. He graduated with a degree in Communications.

In his final season in Red and White, Battle had 46 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 4 pass breakups and 1 fumble recovery. His PFF Grade of 70.6 was the 7th best on the Wolfpack defense.

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NC State Football

NC State PK Brayden Narveson Signs Undrafted Free Agent Deal with the Titans

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7 days ago

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April 27, 2024

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NC State Place Kicker Brayden Narveson has signed an Undrafted Free Agent Deal with the Tennessee Titans.

In his one season in Raleigh, Narveson made 18 of his 23 Field Goal attempts for the Wolfpack, and made all 38 Extra Point attempts. Narveson made some history in his one season at NC State, kicking a 57-yard Field Goal against Duke, breaking the school record for the longest Field Goal.

Narveson ranked 4th in the ACC in Field Goals attempted (23), and 5th in Field Goals made (18) this season. He ranked 9th in conference in scoring (7.1 points per game).

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