*This story can also be found in the November 23 edition of the Arkansas State Football digital game day program*
Being a standout player on the defensive side of the ball was instilled early on in Arkansas State linebacker
Marvin Ham's life.
Although he was born after his father – Marvin, Sr. – played in the National Football League for the Carolina Panthers, the Belleville, Mich., native remembers baby pictures with a football in his tiny hands.
"Although I wasn't born when he was playing in the NFL, it was amazing being able to hear stories and see some of the film he had," Ham said. "He was a big, hard-hitting safety, and it was pretty crazy seeing pictures of him playing. It gave me someone I could look up to while growing up and gave me a little motivation to achieve my dreams later on in life."
One of those dreams is the same for many college football players: make it to the NFL.
After five seasons at Colorado, Ham entered the transfer portal. Ultimately, he found his next stop in Jonesboro, Ark., one that he hopes can help him accomplish that goal. Despite the change in scenery, a prior relationship with A-State head football coach
Butch Jones helped lighten the transition.
"I previously knew Coach Jones from his time at Tennessee," Ham said. "I knew he was a great coach and came here on a visit. I loved everything when I was here and I felt like it was the perfect situation for me to succeed within six months, to achieve my goals and going to the NFL and also win some college football games."
That prior relationship with Jones was paramount to Ham, as he believed the A-State program gave him the best opportunity to take his game to the next level.
"I've had a lot of coaches, head coaches and position coaches, but I felt like he was a genuine guy and genuine coach," he said. "From hearing from past and current players, I felt like it was a great fit for me. I believe they truly care about their players and overall wellbeing here."
Upon his arrival in Jonesboro, Ham joined a veteran-laden linebacker room that included four-year captain
Justin Parks and sixth-year senior
Charles Willekes, among others. It was not a new thing for him, though, being around other older players.
"With the many head coaches I've had, they also brought their players in and a lot of guys had also left," Ham said. "I was always with older guys when I was at Colorado. Coming into an environment at A-State where I can play with other older guys was a blessing, just being able to share information with each other and be able to develop my game while also helping them develop theirs at the same time."
Upon his arrival over the summer, Ham quickly showed his ability to be a leader off the field, but as well as on the field. He enters Saturday's penultimate regular-season contest leading the team with 75 tackles (38 solos).
In order to be that leader and professional in the meeting room and on the field, Ham looks back to lessons another professional – his father – taught him.
"My dad's a very wise man," he said. "He always says to pay attention to details. He used to always wake me up early in the morning and tell me to go do something productive. He always prepared me for this moment, to be able to achieve greatness every single day before I go to school. Great people do great things, and he always prepared me to go out there, dominate and have excellence in my life in whatever I do."
