....For those who question his abilities, the film doesn’t lie. He’s a strong, tough runner who has second-level speed to create separation. Those who questioned his speed last year could no longer do so after this summer, when he worked his 40-yard-dash times down in to the consistent 4.5-second range.
“I just don’t know what it is and I’m trying to find out. I’m trying to work hard for him because he deserves it,” said Johns, who knows a thing or two about talented running backs having coached a couple when he was at Davenport Ridge in Karlos Williams (FSU/Buffalo Bills), and Mike James (UM/Tampa Bay Bucs).
“Karlos was more of a freak athlete, almost 6-3, 230-pounds and a sub-4.4 40 guy who was recruited mostly as a safety,” Johns said. “Markenzy is a true running back. He understands the blocking scheme, what we’re trying to get done … he knows when to hug the double-team tight, when to bounce it.
“He knows when it’s time to make something happen or when it’s time to put his head down and get three or four yards and be happy with that. He’s just a really good power back.”....