Jalin Marshall Proves Skill At Elite 11 Regional, Nike Football Training Camp

Urban's future playmaker

Perhaps one of the most interesting prospects that the Buckeyes have in their 2013 recruiting class is Jalin Marshall. Over the weekend the 5-star athlete participated in two different camps. One of the camps was the Elite 11 Regional in Columbus, Ohio. The other was also in Columbus but for the Nike Football Training Camp.

Middletown High's star put forth a great performance at the Elite 11 Regional at Ohio Dominican University on Friday. Jalin has said many times that he would like to come into Ohio State competing as a quarterback. His day at the Elite 11 should only help him get that opportunity.

The 6'0", 190-pound Marshall was one of six quarterbacks recognized for accuracy at an event that featured the likes of Michigan bound signal-caller Shane Morris, Stanford commit Ryan Burns, Northwestern commit Matt Alviti, Notre Dame pledge Malik Zaire, Louisville bound Kyle Bolin, Kansas commit Montell Cozart, Purdue commit Danny Etling, Michigan State pledge Damion Terry and uncommitted four-star Mitch Trubisky.

Ranked as the nation’s No. 2 athlete prospect and No. 15 prospect overall according to 247Sports, the exciting Marshall could help a college football program at a number of positions.

“I’ll be competing for the (quarterback) job, but if they want me to get in there and run routes or take handoffs, that’s what I’ll do,” Marshall explained.

As a junior, Marshall used his 4.4 speed in the 40-yard dash to rush for 1,972 yards and 20 touchdowns, while passing for 781 yards and six more scores. He got off to a slow start on Friday, but heated up as the day went on. During three-step, five-step and seven-step drop drills, Marshall was particularly impressive in delivering the ball on the money and with zip.

Marshall has also been putting out calls to potential future Buckeyes, trying to recruit the best talent in the country to come play for Ohio State.

“I’m trying to get Jaylon Smith, Robert Foster and Vonn Bell,” Marshall said. “I talk to them and tell them come play with me and it’s going to be the best time of your life.”

As for Saturday's Nike Training Camp, Marshall was put in the spotlight again and once more proved to be among the best.

We learned Marshall is also willing to do whatever it takes to help his team as an athlete.

"I think I did real well bouncing around to different positions," he said. "I threw the ball well and they couldn't guard me at receiver. Ohio State is recruiting me as an athlete, so I have to go up there and throw for them, but for now it's an athlete."

Marshall showed why he's ranked high as an athlete by impressing at receiver. Camp position coaches were impressed with his quickness, route running and ability to separate. Marshall recognizes that ability and says if he had the choice, receiver would be his pick in college.

"With Braxton there right now, I would like to play slot, because with both of us on the field it would be dangerous," he said. "I went up against Cam Burrows (who is also a top cornerback commit for Ohio State) today. It was a bad ball but I burned him, so I think I could be dangerous at receiver."

The more I hear about Marshall playing at receiver, the more I get excited that Urban has found his true play maker. When Jalin lands on campus, you'd better believe the expectations are going to be tremendous for him. For now, we'll get to see Marshall play this fall in high school as a senior.