2004 All Star East
DeMarko Hughes
Defensive Line
6’4″ 295 lbs.
High School Coach: Eric L. Smith
High School, Class: Detroit Mackenzie, A
College: Eastern Michigan University
DeMarko was a three year starter and captain for the Mackenzie High School football team. He played defensive end and offensive tackle. DeMarko had a successful year. He was The University of Michigan Football Camp best offensive lineman in 2003 and a four year honor roll student. He also was nominated for the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award in 2003. DeMarko helped lead his team to win a Division Championship in 2001, 2002, and 2003 and a District Championship in 2003, which was the farthest any Mackenzie team has ever gone in the playoffs.
DeMarko played basketball in his freshman and sophomore years and participated in track and field where he threw shot put and discus. DeMarko also maintained a 3.0 GPA.
DeMarko saiid, “I thank God for being the head of my life. Thank you Momma for supporting me in all I have done to get to this point. To all the men in my family, especially my uncle, thank you for your help, for keeping me focused and for being my father, friend, and coach. Thank you NeNe, Grandma Yarbough, aunties, and cousins. I thank Pastor J. Drew Sheard for all his prayers and encouragement.” DeMarko also thanked, “my coaches for pushing me forward and putting up with me. I appreciate you especially Coach Smith, Coach Highbaugh, and Coach Peaks. My teammates for the hard work we put together to have a great year.” DeMarko ended with, “a special thanks to my cousin Mawando who started me on my road to football. I dedicate all this to you.”
Awards
All City Detroit, The Detroit News, 2002 and 2003
All Metro, The Detroit News, 2003
All America, The Detroit News, 2003
Top 26 In Michigan, The Detroit News and Free Press, 2003
Dream Team, The Detroit Free Press, 2003
Blue Chip List, The Detroit News, 2003