Marvell Tell


Marvell Tell III is an American football safety for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He played college football for the Southern California Trojans, and played high school football at Crespi Carmelite High School.

Early years

Playing at Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, California, Tell played free safety and had ten scholarship offers after his sophomore year, which saw him intercept a pass and make over 50 tackles. He had to sit out part of his junior season due to a broken collarbone. His commitment to USC came at the Army All-American Bowl after his senior year at Crespi. Tell chose USC over Oregon, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt, all of whom he visited.

College career

After playing sporadically during his freshman season at USC, Tell claimed a starting position in the defensive backfield for his sophomore season.
Tell made the 2017 All Pac-12 team on the first team after his junior season.
Towards the end of his senior season, Tell sustained an ankle sprain. At the end of the season, he was named an honorable mention on the 2018 All Pac-12 team.

Professional career

At the 2019 NFL Combine, Tell turned heads with a 42-inch vertical jump. Scouts noted his speed and fluidness but worried about his intangibles.
Tell was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fifth round in the 2019 NFL Draft.
In week 9 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tell forced a fumble on running back Jaylen Samuels that was recovered by teammate Justin Houston in the 26–24 loss.