HBCU Football: Alabama A&M’s Marcus Cushnie enters transfer portal

The Alabama A&M defense received its share of criticism this spring. However, the Bulldogs did play the last one with the ball wins in a few games this spring. That was not because of defensive end Marcus Cushnie, however.

Cushnie was the best pass rusher in HBCU football — and the entire FCS — this spring, registering seven sacks in four games this spring.  The only pass rusher better than Cushnie was Southern’s, Jordan Lewis. That isn’t just in the SWAC but in all of FCS. Cushnie’s departure is a massive loss for Alabama A&M, as he was the best defensive player on the team.

Cushnie put the following on his Twitter:

“I have decided to enter my name into the transfer portal. I am a summer grad with two years of eligibility and a redshirt left.”

Cushnie has plenty of brains to go with his brawn, graduating Suma Cum Laude from AAMU.

Cushnie had multiple sacks in three of four games (South Carolina State, Alabama State, and Arkansas-Pine Bluff). The 220-pound defensive end saved his best game for the SWAC Championship.

Cushnie had 12 total tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks for the HBCU football program. Cushnie was in the backfield all game harassing quarterback Skyler Perry.

Cushnie began his career in Huntsville as an outside linebacker before transitioning to defensive end. As a sophomore, Cushnie registered 27 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. It will be interesting if Cushnie follows Qwynnterio Cole and Harry Ballard to the FBS with his skill set.