The hard work of the University of Arkansas coaching staff and a recent Razorback has resulted in a highly recruited 4-star junior fullback planning a visit to Fayetteville later this month.
The 5-foot-10, 185-pound cornerback Braedon Marshall of Lake Mary, Fla. plans to visit the Hogs on April 23, primarily because of communications he has with cornerbacks coach Dominque Bowman, the special teams -Coach Scott Fountain and the defensive assistant has assisted coach Mason Hutchins.
“Our relationship has gone in a positive direction,” he said. “Coaches texted me and my parents weekly. It’s been crazy, they’ve really been on my phone lately. It’s all love and I love it. I’m really in. thankful.”
Arkansas, Clemson, Penn State, Tennessee, Nebraska, Boston College, South Florida, Central Florida, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Virginia are among the 26 Marshall Scholarship applications.
The SEC’s appeal also contributes to his interest in Arkansas, as does his close relationship with Raheim Sanders, whose hometown of Rockledge, Fla. is about an hour from Lake Mary.
“I’m a close friend of Raheim Sanders,” Marshall said. “He’s really a person who really raised the bar with me in Arkansas. Seeing what he did in Arkansas as a true freshman makes me want to learn more about the program and see what I can do there as a player.”
Sanders spoke well of his time in Fayetteville.
“He kind of told me it was a great place and I’d like it, so I’m going there and learning about the program,” Marshall said.
Marshall, drafted as a cornerback and nickelback, recorded 28 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, 3 pass breakups for the Rams last year. CBS Sports Network national recruiting analyst Tom Lemming calls him a 4-star recruit.
“He is [a] master the curve with 4.5 speed,” said Lemming. “Fast athlete with explosive moves and a lot of confidence.”
It’s not the norm for three coaches on the same staff to recruit him, Marshall said.
“It’s really not that common, but knowing that it’s not normal and rare means a lot,” Marshall said. “They really care about me and I’m happy. I have the opportunity to play in such a school.”
He appreciates Bowman, Fountain and Hutchins reaching out to his parents.
“They feel good because not all coaches do that,” Marshall said. “Having a coach who really cares not only about you but also about your family is a big thing.”
Marshall focuses on schools that show they mean business.
“I really do show love and respond to most of the schools that have the most love for me and my family,” he said.
His father will accompany him on the trip to Arkansas. He also plays basketball and will be on the track for the first time this spring in the 100 and 200 meters and in the 400 relay.
Marshall has a 3.5 GPA and wants to study physical therapy in college.
“I really got into learning about the body,” Marshall said. “I just want to help people recover and regain their full strength.”
He plans to make official visits this summer, with Arkansas a possibility if his trip to Fayetteville in April goes well.
Email Richard Davenport at [email protected]
Bradon Marshall-Highlights
arkansasonline.com/41marshall/
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