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| Marshall runs a 4.4 40 |
When we told you about Robert Foster, and why he was leading our '13 recruiting profiles was because he was the big threat wide receiver. If, in fact, we do land Foster our next prospect would be a perfect fit into the type of offense that Urban Meyer is looking for. John Peterson, the current Ohio State recruiting coordinator who also coaches tight ends has been the one to personally recruit 5-star recruit Jalin Marshall, a 6'0'', 190 lb Quarterback/Athlete. Marshall hails from Middletown, Ohio and earned some serious offers, and more importantly, gained the interest of not only Ohio State, but of upper tier teams like Florida, Notre Dame, Oregon, Alabama, and West Virginia.
While Marshall doesn't have the offer list that Foster does, he is certainly not far off, with offers from Ohio State, Notre Dame, Cincinnati, Pitt, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, and UCLA. Jalin is ranked as the #1 Athlete overall in the class of 2013, and #1 overall recruit in the state of Ohio. Nationally, Jalin Marshall is the #5 recruit overall in 247's ranking. He's a 5-star recruit on all boards, and is another recruit you simply cannot say no to. He's already visited Ohio State unofficially twice, and it is safe to say that the Buckeyes are the front runner for Marshall's talents. He's also visited Tennessee and Notre Dame, which were both unofficial as well.
Though he plays quarterback in high school, Marshall projects to be a star wideout or defensive back in college. His more than 1,400 rushing yards prove why. With the ball in his hands, he is one of the nation's most exciting players, owning both the creativity and versatility to burn by over-matched opponents. Jalin was selected as a Middletown Journal All-Area First-Team, D-I Southwest District Special Mention and Greater Miami Conference First Team in 2010 (his sophomore year). Also a standout on the track, Marshall was a state qualifier in the 800-meter relay and high jump in 2011.
If Ohio State and Urban Meyer do in fact land either Marshall or Foster, then landing the other recruit is essential. Let me put it to you like this: If Ohio State ends up with both recruits, you have Urban Meyer's dream team. By that time Braxton Miller will be a junior, and both Marshall and Foster will see a lot of playing time. Once Miller is a senior, the type of offense that Urban would run would be perfect.
There is a downfall, but it is only a slight downfall: Jalin Marshall would like to be a quarterback at the next level. Notice I say "would like to". That's very important in landing Marshall, because Urban wants him as a slot receiver so we can run motion options, and the types of plays that Ohio State fans have been yearning for for years. Meyer has the opportunity to offer both positions to Marshall, because in Urban Meyer's offense, as Ohio State found out in 2006-2007, he can interchange just about anyone with speed into a wildcat formation.
During the 2006-2007 BCS National Championship, Florida came at Ohio State with at least 5 different "quarterbacks" With Marshall, we could certainly move Miller out wide, just for a couple of plays or even sit him. There are many talented receivers, that showed some serious talent in 2011 alone. With another year of experience, you can surely expect a veteran receiving corps. Marshall has said many times that he wouldn't say no to playing receiver, but he does have a slight QB lean. I think Meyer can change his mind once he shows him some film of his own offense.
Below are his highlights from his Sophomore and Junior year. Enjoy.
Sophomore:
Junior:
