If you haven't heard the name Jalin Marshall yet, now is an excellent time to get acquainted with one of the top sophomore quarterback prospects in Ohio. The Middletown sophomore has established himself as a player to watch after leading his team to seven straight wins in 2010.
Marshall, 6-foot-1, 190-pounds, possesses a combination of speed and arm strength that has some in the southern part of the state comparing him to Huber Heights Wayne's Braxton Miller, when the Ohio State commit was the same age.
Middletown has rode the skills of Marshall, and several other impressive athletes, to the top spot in Division-I, Region-IV, and seems assured of a playoff spot. Head coach Jason Krause is understandably excited about his young quarterback.
"We originally planned on playing Jalin at slot receiver, because we had another guy scheduled to start at quarterback," Krause said. "Jalin is dynamic with the ball in his hands, and we wanted him on the field. When our starting quarterback got hurt, there was no doubt about moving Jalin to quarterback, because that's where I see him playing at the next level."
"He's still a work in progress right now, but he has all the qualities the college coaches are looking for," he continued. "Physically, he's a big, strong kid and he weighs close to 195-pounds right now. He has great, quick feet, and can really make great cuts for a big guy. He's never been caught from behind. He is the prototype for the dual-threat quarterback and he's a long way from reaching his potential."
College recruiters are starting to take notice of the youngster, who last week ran for over 240 yards and threw for nearly 150 yards, in leading his team over Mason, 69-44.
"Florida has already told us they're going to recruit him, and we work closely with (assistant coach) D.J. Durkin," Krause stated. "Florida watched his film and immediately put him on their recruiting list. Ohio State has talked to us about him, and Coach (Jim) Tressel likes him very much. Other schools are starting to get in touch with us, and there are really too many to mention, to be honest. He's going to be recruited by everyone."
This Friday, Middletown will look to stay unbeaten when they travel to play Fairfield.