Mark Cannon Jr. has emerged as a play-making cornerback for the Redbirds. (Photo by Barry Bottino, PrairieStatePigskin.com)
By Dan Verdun
Mark Cannon Jr. played varsity football for four seasons at Evanston High School under head coach Mike Burzawa. As a team captain his senior year, Cannon was a driving force for the Wildkits making a return trip to the state playoffs.
For those who knew him during those formative days, it’s little surprise that Cannon is now a stalwart in the Illinois State secondary.
After redshirting in 2022, the 6-foot-3 Cannon led the Redbirds with a team-high three interceptions last fall. Looking more closely, those picks came in three of ISU’s final four games.
Starting at cornerback, Cannon registered four tackles – three solo – in the Redbirds’ season opener at FBS Iowa this past Saturday.
Prairie State Pigskin caught up with Cannon Jr., and he discussed not only football but also the likes of his prowess as a youth baseball pitcher, his favorite collectible as a first grader and the best (and worst) dressed ISU players.
Get to know Mark Cannon Jr. in our Moving the Chains Q&A interview:
You really came on the second half of last season. Do you attribute that to anything?
My coaches and teammates are pushing me to be the best player I can be on the field and being the best person I can be off the field.
Everything goes together. Our motto for this fall is “Everything Stacks,” so I’m just trying to put everything together and get better day-by-day.
Is there a particular person or group that really helped you last year with your development?
The guys in the room at my position and safety for sure. They helped with seeing the position on the field and playing the snap before the snap happens or giving me extra tools that help me play better and faster out on the field.
What was it like growing up in Evanston?
I was there from about the age of five. It’s my hometown. I love everything about it.
Do you have a favorite place you like to go to when you’re back in Evanston?
I’ve got a couple. Definitely everytime I go home I’ve got to go to Herm’s Palace for the best burgers in town. Another place I stop by is near Northwestern. It’s Buffalo Joe’s for the best chicken wings. I’ve been going there my whole life.
Did you grow up a Northwestern fan?
I wouldn’t say I grew up a big NU fan, but I was definitely at a lot of the games. They’ve had some trouble winning the last few years, but when they are winning, I’d say I’m a fan.
What other sports did you play growing up?
I played basketball and a little baseball too (laughs). To this day, I know some of the players on the team. I used to be a pitcher growing up. When I see them, I remind them that I struck them out or whatever (laughs).
What was your go-to pitch?
Fastball. I was eight or nine, so I don’t know how fast I could throw. I pitched a couple of no-hitters back in my day. I was a decent little player.
I played shortstop and a little second base too. I couldn’t really hit the ball, so they made me a pitcher most of the time.
Looking at your high school and college career, where has your knack for grabbing interceptions come from?
The coaches. They come in and work just as hard as everybody in the room. It’s them putting in the game plan and putting me in the right position to go make the plays that I can.
Do you prefer to grab an interception or deliver a big hit on a receiver?
That’s a tough one, but I’d go with a big interception. I played a little offense growing up, so I like the ball in my hands. When I get a chance to grab an interception, that’s what I’m going to do.
What have you improved the most from a year ago?
Taking in the information before the snap happens, surveying the field and looking at my keys and understanding the play before it happens.
Who is the best dressed player on the team?
I might go with Scotty P., (fullback) Scotty Presson. He be throwing some ‘fits together, you know. He’s always had that side to him.
Who is the worst dressed player on the team?
Probably me. I come out in sweatpants, slides, no socks. It doesn’t really matter to me. I’m just going with whatever.
Is there anything that you collected as a kid that you look back on now and chuckle about?
I was a weird kid. I remember in around first grade I collected rocks. I was a rock weirdo. Sometimes I look back on that and am like, ‘Why was I collecting rocks’?
Is there anything that you collected and still think is pretty cool today?
My jerseys. All of them from playing basketball and baseball. I have some of my baseball hats. It’s fun to look back on all the sports I played.
Why did you switch from uniform No. 17 to 7 this year?
This number (7) was available, and this is the number I wore when I first started playing football. I figured I might as well take it.
It doesn’t matter what number you’re wearing as long as you’re making plays.
Dan Verdun is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin. He has written four books: NIU Huskies Football, EIU Panthers Football, ISU Redbirds Football and SIU Salukis Football.
Find us on social media!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PSPigskin
Facebook: Prairie State Pigskin
Instagram: Prairiestatepigskin
Prairie State Pigskin 
Leave a comment