Incoming: Lawrence Marshall

Commit #10
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Meet Lawrence Marshall
Scout: 4-star, #12 DE, #89 OVR
ESPN: 4-star, #12 DE, #107 OVR
247Sports: 4-star, #12 DE, #207 OVR
Rivals: 3-star, #19 DE, NR OVR
MGoHello

Todays news of Team 135's newest commitment came in an...unorthodox way, if you will.  While on campus today, Class of  '14's first commit Michael Ferns broke the news (followed up by the picture above):
Ferns is also enjoying a beautiful day on the golf course with another visitor, LB Chase Winovich (who most figured would be the one to commit on his visit).  On the golf course? Yup:

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Busy guy. 

But the real credit should be given to WR commit Moe WaysWays and Marshall have developed a close relationship as the two have been AAU teammates for the past few years and most recently participated in the NFTC event in Chicago last weekend.  I've got tweets for days re: how persistent Ways has been in recruiting Marshall, but here's just a few:



Doin' work in Moe Ways than one! Sorry, I never got to join in on all the fun!

Taking a look at Marshall's ratings, you can see Michigan is getting a talented kid.  He has 4-star status (save Rivals, who will come around), is top 15 position wise, also minus Rivals, and ranks as high as #89 nationally!  Size wise: It's all over the place.  Scout and 247 list 6'3" while ESPN and Rivals say 6'4".  His weight ranges from 205 to 230, so at this point, not sure what to believe until we hear it directly from Marshall.  Let's hope it's toward the higher mark after reading Allen Trieu's evaluation:
Very long frame. Has great athleticism, change of direction and speed in pursuit. Has all of the tools to be an elite pass rusher, just needs continued work on his technique. Plays with hand down in high school, but may be a stand-up rusher in college. Has not been asked to drop into coverage much, but that's something he may be asked to do at the next level. Has to add some weight, but all of the raw tools are there.

Marshall is another undersized DE, as Trieu states, that will need to bulk a little before he will see the field.  He has plenty of room to grow, and with his athleticism and quick first step, could become a very good weakside rush end/rush LB...think Mario Ojemudia.  He had a solid freshman season seeing lots of playing time, and we could have a clone in the makings to help wreak havoc in the opposing team's backfield.

Let's not forget the way Marshall's commitment has gone thus far though.  Back in February he committed to Ohio out of nowhere only to re-open his recruitment back up 3 days later.  Most analysts, heck everyone at 247Sports, have considered him a MSU lean ever since proceeding 7or 8 visits to East Lansing in the last few months.  Michigan was always in the picture, but looked to be outside looking in.  Guess not, after hearing this from Marshall himself:
And also had this to say:
Marshall brings the class to 10 members, leaving 7 or 8 spots left for the '14 class, barring any further attrition.

Other Offers
Impressive pile of offers here for Marshall: MSU, Miss. St., Nebraska, Oklahoma, OSU, Ole Miss, Pitt, and Tennessee to name a few.  

Hype Video



Something Scary to Think About
Marshall could end up being the lowest rated defensive lineman in the '14 class once signing day comes around.  Michigan already has Bryan Mone in the mix, is still in on in-stater Malik McDowell and top prosepect DaShawn Hand and the odds are in Michigan's favor at this point.  Let that soak in for a minute or two...however long you need.

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