It was about almost a year ago, when seemingly from out of nowhere, Cincinnati (Ohio) Archbishop Moeller four-star running back Jordan Marshall shocked the world, unexpectedly picking Michigan football over his hometown Ohio State Buckeyes.
As a 2024 prospect, it was still a long ways to go before early signing day, but Marshall never wavered, and now, the highly coveted tailback from the Buckeye State is a Wolverine. He’s still not on campus, but he’s been outspoken about his love for the maize and blue and remained faithful even with the coaching changes that happened in the offseason.
So what does Marshall bring to the table as a player? ESPN broke down the top running backs in the country from the 2024 class and how they fit with their new teams (subscription required), and Marshall should provide a boost with Blake Corum having moved on to the NFL.
Marshall is everything Michigan wants in a running back — tough, physical and fantastic after contact. He has the power to press the hole, but also the vision to exploit the cutback lane when available. Michigan takes so much pride in winning at the point of attack and it’s the back’s job to get to the second level and extend runs. The only issue for Marshall? He’s joining a running backs group that is six-deep, including returning feature back Donovan Edwards.
While not as big as former Wolverine and UCLA Bruins tailback Zach Charbonnet, in some ways, his game is similar. Marshall comes in about three inches shorter and 20 pounds lighter, but after going through strength and conditioning and being able to take some time due to the depth ahead of him, he could be that type of all-purpose back who does a little bit of everything — run with power, speed, and vision.
Could Marshall see the field in Year 1? Certainly, there’s a case to be made, even with all of the depth. Of course, as ESPN mentioned, Donovan Edwards is returning for his senior season, but Kalel Mullings appeared to come on strong last year, while Benjamin Hall and Cole Cabana both redshirted and are patiently awaiting their turn. There’s an opening here, and while his touches may be limited, Marshall could find a niche and exploit it to see the field in his first year early and often.