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WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — Saints safety Marcus Ball has shown coaches a thing or two since his team’s training camp opened in late July.

At an intrasquad scrimmage, Ball intercepted a pass and nearly returned it for a touchdown, and got a sack on the day’s final snap. He forced a fumble and recovered it in a punt-return drill on another occasion.

His reward has been to occasionally line up with the first string, such as on the Saints’ opening defensive series in their 26-24 victory at St. Louis in an Aug. 8 exhibition. Yet those are all moments Ball could not imagine himself living through less than three years ago.

For, back then, Ball came within inches of surrendering his pro football aspirations — before he was talked out of it by the two most important women in his life: his mother and his girlfriend.

It’s thanks to them Ball is in position to convince coaches he deserves consideration for a roster spot under those that will almost certainly be occupied by safeties Jairus Byrd, Kenny Vaccaro and Rafael Bush. It’s thanks to them the two-season Canadian Football League veteran and NFL newcomer will have the chance to play in his first Saints home game when New Orleans hosts the Tennessee Titans at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome at 7 p.m. Friday.


“Those women in my life kept me focused and kept ... the fire burning inside,” said Ball, who’s mainly competing with talented rookies Vinnie Sunseri (a fifth-round draft selection) and Pierre Warren (undrafted) to join a defense that deploys more safeties at a time than many do. “A few times I got down — really down — and wanted to just throw it all away maybe. But they never let it get to that level.”


Read more: Saints safety Marcus Ball chasing his dream | Home | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, Louisiana

jeanpierre

Can't wait to hear an announcer say "Marcus Ball is ballin' in this ball game..."

K Major

In the first pre season game, he made a great open field tackle. If not for Mr. Ball, that kickoff returner may have been off to the races. Good instincts to the ball, tackles extremely well and has that dog in him.

I'd be surprised if Marcus does not make the final roster this year.

Utah_Saint

He looked really good in his Canadian League highlight video, very athletic. A player like that can help fill in gaps left by slower linebackers. I hope he continues to develop and makes the team.

Rugby Saint II

I'm sure that if he makes the team that we keep six safeties.

hagan714

right now i am thinking go into the season with extra safeties. no real threats from the CBs or LBs at this time.

Danno

Safeties make great special teams players. I can see keeping six. It likely depends on if we keep 3 QBs and if SJB has developed enough to be trusted as a 4th CB

brees84

Then let's hope Ryan Griffin doesn't screw up tonight so we can keep 2 QBs and kilgore on PS.