Western’s Levi to play at San Diego St.

Spencer Patterson

Friday, March 17, 2000 | 10:24 a.m.

It's safe to say the past six weeks haven't been the easiest time in Marcus Levi's life.

While most of his peers on the 1999 Sun all-state football team signed with Division I schools, the outstanding two-way lineman from Western was forced to wait, wondering if his turn would come.

Without a qualifying score on one of the mandatory standardized tests, Levi became the odd man out, as programs that had shown considerable interest suddenly backed off.

But on Thursday, after receiving the required ACT score of 18, the 6-4, 275-pound Levi joined the rest of this year's stellar local senior class in the collegiate ranks, signing a letter of intent with San Diego State.

"After the first signing date, I just had to be patient for everything to fall into place," Levi said. "I was happy for the other guys, got a thick book to study and just waited my turn."

Levi's ACT score, combined with his current GPA, will grant him immediate eligibility when the fall rolls around. And after what he went through to earn his full scholarship, he is proud of his accomplishment.

"I feels like I've overcome an obstacle, like I've overcome the odds," Levi said.

A three-year varsity starter at defensive end and offensive tackle, Levi made a name for himself as one of Southern Nevada's fiercest pass rushers and run stoppers.

Levi also visited Oregon State before committing to the Aztecs.