Marshall is 'Dogs next dough maker
Staff Reports
The Collegian
For the second year in a row, a junior defensive back has declared himself eligible for the NFL draft.
Cornerback Richard Marshall, the team’s leader in tackles and interceptions with 78 and 3 respectively, said in a news release he only declared once he received the support of his family.
“My experience at Fresno State has been very good,” Marshall said. “After talking with my fiancé (Bulldog women’s basketball player Jasmine Plummer) and my family, they were all very supportive. They know my dream is to play in the NFL and they support whatever I decided.”
Last season, safety James Sanders declared early and was selected in the fourth round by the New England Patriots.
The only confirmation Marshall needed to confirm his decision came with the NFL evaluation he received, which projects him to be selected in the second or third rounds.
According to coach Pat Hill, the evaluation is done by a board of NFL personnel evaluators from 10 different teams who study film of the player and include the athletes’ measurable statistics.
Hill said he is happy for Marshall, but that the team needs to be able to move on without him.
“We are going to miss him, but it creates an opportunity for another Bulldog to step up and pick up the flag,” Hill said.
With a 2.8 overall GPA, Marshall has also dedicated himself in the classroom, while also posting a 3.0, 3.6, and 3.5 in the last three semesters, respectively. Marshall is also expected to earn his degree at the completion of the spring 2006 semester.
“It’s important to know that Richard is a good student and does not have to leave for the NFL,” Hill said.
“That’s not the case for Richard Marshall. I know when he leaves he will be successful and we are proud to have him as a part of our program and he knows he will always be a Bulldog.”
“I’m going to get my degree, which was a goal in coming to Fresno State, and my dream is to play in the NFL and I’m going to have that opportunity,” Marshall said. “Fresno State and Coach Hill helped me achieve my dreams, for sure.”
Marshall will end his Bulldog career with some impressive numbers to his credit, including 176 career tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3 fumble recoveries and 22 passes broken up.
Comment on this story in the Sports forum >>
|
