Junior safety Marcus Ratcliffe brings a combination of size and versatility to Texas A&M's defensive backfield.
In this series, we’re looking at 10 players who could have a major impact on the success or failure of the 2025 Texas A&M football team. Some are starters, some aren’t — but they’re certainly not getting the attention they deserve.
The series continues with safety Marcus Ratcliffe, in his second season at Texas A&M after transferring in shortly after Mike Elko’s return to College Station.
Class: Junior
Height/Weight: 6-foot-2, 209 pounds
2024 stats: 48 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery
Why he’s so important: Ratcliffe brings something unique to the safety corps with his combination of size and speed. He almost looks like a linebacker, but he’s one of the better cover safeties on the team.
The Aggies have two other safeties who draw more attention in Dalton Brooks and Bryce Anderson, but if there’s a three-down safety in the group, Ratcliffe is now likely it. He can be the big safety — a glorified linebacker — in a three-safety look, or he can play as a regular safety in the defensive backfield.
A transfer from San Diego State, Ratcliffe needed a little time to get used to life in the SEC and Mike Elko’s defense. In his second season, he’s going to be playing a role only one other player (Myles Davis) may be even capable of playing.
Category: General Sports
