Mocs’ O-line might turn to Marshall
Brian Marshall did not come to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga expecting to contribute to the football team as a true freshman.
But the coaching staff feels he’s ready, and he could very well get that chance.
The 6-foot-2, 290-pounder from Marietta, Ga., has found himself in the offensive line rotation and could get more and more time on the field as starting right tackle Hunter Townson nurses an ankle injury suffered in last Saturday’s rout of Presbyterian.
“He cares about what he’s doing,” offensive line coach Adam Ross said Tuesday. “He’s a smart kid, he’s tough, he plays physical, he cares about what he’s doing, and that’s the biggest thing. He’s part of the rotation and he will play.”
Head coach Russ Huesman mentioned during preseason camp that Marshall was going to play this season, and that’s held true. He said Tuesday that if Townson can’t play at Furman on Saturday, Marshall will be the likely replacement and that the line will be adjusted to suit Marshall’s skill set.
“He had a solid game last week. He got a lot of snaps in, does a good job, bends his knees. For a true freshman, he’s doing a great job for us,” Huesman said.
Huesman coached at Richmond with Marietta coach Scott Burton, who “stood on the table” to laud Marshall’s skills, Huesman said.
“He taught me to just do what I’m told,” Marshall said of Burton. “He’s been coaching me to the point where everything (a) coach tells you to do, you trust the system and everything should take care of itself.”
Marshall admitted Tuesday that he didn’t really expect to get this opportunity in 2016.
“I came in thinking I wouldn’t play, but the fact I’m getting playing time has been a boost of confidence in myself,” Marshall said. “I’m very excited. To be able to play college football as a true freshman, what more can you ask for? “It’s a blessing.” Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenleytfp.