For Louisiana high school quarterback Marcus Delahaye, the path to college football stardom is starting to come into focus. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound junior out of Lake Charles is preparing for what could be the most important summer of his young football career, and at the top of his itinerary is a trip to Tuscaloosa—where he’s been invited to throw in front of Alabama’s coaching staff at an upcoming football camp.
Delahaye, a rising signal-caller with a cannon for an arm and a growing highlight reel, has steadily gained momentum on the recruiting trail over the last several months. But the Alabama invitation has elevated everything—his excitement, his confidence, and his national profile.
“It’s a blessing,” Delahaye said. “I grew up watching Alabama dominate college football. To get the opportunity to go to camp and throw for the same coaches who helped produce Bryce Young, Tua, and Jalen Hurts—it’s unreal.”
What makes this opportunity even more special is that it didn’t come by accident. Delahaye has been grinding—working with quarterback coaches, reshaping his mechanics, and devouring game film. The results are showing. His junior season numbers—2,800 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions—sparked intrigue from Power Four programs across the country. That intrigue has recently turned into serious interest, with schools from the SEC, Big 12, ACC, and Big Ten reaching out.
But it’s the Alabama camp invite that he views as both a dream and a launching pad.
“I know what’s at stake,” he said. “You only get one chance to make a first impression at a place like Alabama. I’m just locked in on being sharp, smooth with my reads, and showing them that I belong.”
Delahaye’s rapid ascent is a testament to both raw ability and relentless determination. Coaches rave about his footwork, poise under pressure, and elite-level arm strength. He throws with timing, isn’t afraid to push the ball downfield, and can fit passes into tight windows. His athleticism adds another layer to his game, with several designed run plays and scrambles turning into explosive moments last season.
“He’s the total package,” said his high school offensive coordinator, Jamal Landry. “Marcus has that ‘it’ factor. He makes guys around him better, and he’s hungry to prove himself at the highest level.”
Despite being a Louisiana native, Delahaye says he’s never been locked into staying close to home. The idea of playing in the SEC—or any major conference—is appealing, but he’s not in a rush to make a decision. For now, he’s focusing on maximizing every camp, every throw, and every opportunity.
“Right now, I just want to keep stacking good days,” he said. “The offers will come. I believe in that. But what matters is what I put on tape and how I perform in front of these coaches. That’s the only thing I can control.”
Delahaye has already drawn praise from regional scouts and analysts, with several calling him one of the South’s fastest-rising quarterback prospects. Though he doesn’t yet hold a Power 4 offer, schools such as Arkansas, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Louisville, and Baylor have all been in frequent contact. Tulane and Louisiana Tech were among the first to offer, but Delahaye admits that conversations have picked up significantly in recent weeks.
“Every day seems like a new school is hitting up my coach,” he said with a laugh. “I’m just trying to stay humble, keep my circle tight, and stay focused.”
He says the feedback has been consistent—colleges love his arm talent and leadership ability but want to see him against top-level competition in camp settings. That’s why this summer is crucial, and Alabama’s camp is arguably the biggest stage yet.
“Coach [Tommy] Rees knows what he’s doing with quarterbacks,” Delahaye said of Alabama’s offensive coordinator. “To learn from guys like that—even if it’s just a camp—is valuable. I just want to compete and be coached. I’m not afraid of the challenge.”
That mindset has served him well. Whether it’s running drills in the Louisiana heat or waking up before school to get in extra film sessions, Delahaye has committed fully to his growth as a quarterback. His father, a former JUCO wide receiver, has been a key source of inspiration.