Provine welcomes Marcellus Speaks as new head football coach

JANS – Marcellus Speaks has been selected as the new head football coach of the Provine High School Rams. A proud alumnus of Provine’s Class of 2004, Speaks brings a wealth of football knowledge, coaching experience, and a deep passion for developing young athletes.

 During his time at Provine, Speaks was a standout athlete and one of two captains for the Rams’ football team. His senior year, he was named First-Team All-Metro and earned the title of Defensive Player of the Game in the prestigious Benard Blackwell All-Star Game.

Following his high school success, Speaks earned a full scholarship to Delta State University before walking on to Jackson State University in 2006. His collegiate career was marked by numerous accolades, including, 2nd Team All-SWAC in 2007, helping lead JSU to a SWAC Championship, 1st Team All-SWAC and Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) in 2008, and winner of the Mel Blount Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2008.

Speaks also holds a bachelor’s degree from Jackson State University and a master’s in Physical Education and Coaching from the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

His coaching journey includes:

• Defensive Backs Coach at Itawamba Community College (2019)

• Head Football Coach at Provine High School (2017-2018)

• Defensive Coordinator for the Rams (2014-2017), mentoring standout players like Juwon Taylor, Khalil Johnson, and Demonte Russell

• Building one of the top defensive units in the state at Callaway High School (2013), coaching elite talents such as Breeland Speaks and Ronald Walker

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Speaks back to Provine,” said Roderick Smith, principal of Provine High School. “His dedication to excellence, combined with his personal connection to the school, will be a tremendous asset to our student-athletes.”