Marcellas Dial

Marcellas Rashard Dial Jr. (born December 6, 2000) is an American football cornerback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Georgia Military College and for the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Early life
Dial was born on December 6, 2000, and grew up in Woodruff, South Carolina. He attended Woodruff High School but received little attention to play college football, ultimately signing with Georgia Military College.

College career
As a freshman at Georgia Military College in 2019, Dial totaled 10 tackles, one fumble recovery and an interception. The 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Dial transferred to the South Carolina Gamecocks for the 2021 season. He had been ranked by 247Sports as the 51st-best junior college recruit nationally and the seventh-best cornerback.

In his first year at South Carolina, Dial became a starter and appeared in 13 games, starting seven while posting 33 tackles, six pass deflections and a forced fumble. In 2022, he played 13 games, starting 10, and had 45 tackles while leading the team with 12 pass breakups and three interceptions. He returned for a final season in 2023 and had 36 tackles and 10 pass breakups. Dial was invited to participate at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.

Professional career
Dial was selected with the 180th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft by the New England Patriots. Dial signed his rookie contract with the Patriots on May 10, 2024.