Markel Fortenberry

Liberty University Football Media Day on June 27th, 2024. (Photo by Cassidy Paxton)

Class:
Sophomore
Position:
WR
Height:
6-4
Weight:
195
Hometown:
Maryville, Tenn.

Prep:

Graduated from Maryville High School in Maryville, Tenn.
Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com
Three-star recruit as ranked by Rivals.com
Also had offers from Arkansas State, Austin Peay, Ball State, Coastal Carolina, Eastern Kentucky, Tennessee – Martin, Georgia State, Marshall, Akron, North Alabama, Tennessee Tech, Wofford, Richmond, William & Mary and Tulane
Rivalry Showcase game MVP
Finished his junior season with 21 receptions for 389 yards and six touchdowns
Capped his high school career with 548 receiving yards as a senior on 43 receptions with 10 touchdowns
Four-time Player of the Week during his senior season
Player of the Year during his senior season
Also participated in basketball and track

Personal:

Son of Caroline and Paul Fortnerberry
Exercise Science major
Birthday is on January 15

Student-Athlete Q&A
What made Liberty University the right place for you to attend college/compete at the collegiate level?
I came here for the people. The community here is amazing in the way they treat one another.

Is there anything special you do pregame or postgame and why?
For pregame I like to go off by myself somewhere and think and talk to myself about important things for the game while I’m listening to my music. I do this because I’m an overthinker, so I need to be by myself to talk to myself and clear my head.

Who in your life inspires you and why are they such an inspiration?
As a football player DK Metcalf is someone I look up to. His size, physicality, and other attributes are similar to mine but at a lower level. If I work hard enough I could be like that too. However, as a man my parents Paul and Caroline inspire me in everything else outside of football. Spiritually, as a man, a brother, a husband, and as a child of God.

What is your most memorable athletic moment/accomplishment?
The first minutes I got to play in my first college football game.

If you picked your jersey/uniform number, why is that number important to you?
I don’t really have a number I would choose that’s important to me.

Favorite meal (breakfast/lunch/dinner) and what is that special meal?
My favorite meal would be a fat dinner burrito with queso poured on top.

What is the first app you check on your phone each day?
I open messages first usually.

What is your favorite hobby outside of athletics?
I love to watch sunsets.

Who was your favorite athlete growing up?
Growing up my favorite was Odell Beckam Jr., but now it’s DK Metcalf.

What is your favorite possession and why?
Food is good and keeps me alive.

What is your dream vacation spot and why?
My dream vacation is Greece because I have seen how beautiful it is.