Friday, January 06, 2006

No Surprise!

Cornerback Richard Marshall will declare for the NFL Draft officially before January 15. It is not a surprise. He is just 6 classes short of graduating and is a fourth year junior. Marshall and fellow junior Marcus McCauley would have likely formed one of the best cornerback duos in the nation next year. McCauley might enter the draft, as well, along with junior center Kyle Young.

Hopefully, Marshall does not sign with an agent and can return to college in case he changes his mind. Strong safety James Sanders left school early last year, and changed his mind. Unfortunately, he had already signed with an agent and was able to return to school. Luckily for Sanders, he was drafted in the 4th round by one of the NFL's most stable franchises, the New England Patriots. Marshall is pegged as a first day guy, late second round or early third round.

Marshall would have benefited from another year of college ball, but is the total package. He is a fast, aggressive cornerback that can return kicks. At times this year his over-aggressiveness led to many mistakes, but nothing that can't be corrected at the next level. His tangibles far out weigh his negatives. Throw in the fact that Marshall will be a future millionaire, what would you do for your fiance and family?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I dont think anyone can blame the guy. He's very talented and is just joining the work force a little earlier than he would anyways. Atleast its at the corner spot where we still have (for now) mccauley and some great talent in Jenkins, Hood, Hanynes, and Harris. Best of luck to Marshall and his family and may he be a great reflection of our great football program.

BarkBoard.com said...

Losing Marshall is huge, but it is a great reflection of Hill's program. Two DBs that were only 2 star recruits became first day NFL talents after just three years of IA ball(Marshall and Sanders.)

McCauley will be a stud, and Hood could step up and become the next great corner. Jenkins is an all world player, but has yet to live up to the hype. Jenkins and Mays both were 3/4 star recruits and big-time recruits, but it just goes to show you that really doesn't matter if you are a 1,2,3 or 4 star recruit, Hill can turn you into a NFL type player. Just ask former walk on Cameron Worrell.