Hard work pays off for All-American Bowl QB
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East Team (roster)
Quarterback
Tampa, Fla.
Marve in actionClick 6-1, 189, 4.65Here to view this Link.
Rivals.com Rankings
Rivals.com pro-style quarterbacks: No. 11
Rivals.com Florida top 100: No. 47
Tampa (Fla.) Plant quarterback Robert Marve knows that his football success is a result of hard work. A strong senior season has allowed the Alabama commit and four-star prospect to climb in the recruiting rankings. He also has his team positioned to make a big run in the state playoffs.
All this from a quarterback who - right or wrong - was not on the radar of many at the start of the recruiting cycle for the class of 2007.
"It took a lot of hard work," Marve said. "I wasn't one of those guys who could just come out and be one of those types of players who could come out shine right away. I just feel real comfortable in our offense right now."
Marve's hard work and newfound comfort level will be on display long after his state playoff run. The 6-foot-2, 180-pounder is one of three quarterbacks to be named to the East squad for the inaugural Offense-Defense All-American Bowl.
The game will be played at 5 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, Jan. 4 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The all-star contest will be televised live by ESPNU. Rivals.com is the official selection partner of the game.
"I thought it was a great honor to play in a game like this, and I'm just looking forward to meeting all the guys and all of these great players across the nation," Marve said.
Marve set the Hillsborough County, Fla., record for passing touchdowns in a season with 34. "There have been a lot of great players from this area," Marve said. "So it was a real big accomplishment."
The Alabama commit talked about getting to know some of his potential future teammates and rivals on the East squad. Defensive tackle Kerry Murphy, defensive end Sidell Corley and safety Michael McNeil are considering Alabama and Auburn – among others. Kicker Wes Byrum, running back Enrique Davis and tight end Bailey Woods are committed to the Tigers.
"I'm just looking forward to it," he said. "At the same time, I am trying to keep my focus on the team now."
His team currently sits at 10-0 and will have all of its playoff games at home until the state championship.
"My expectations are high," he said. "My offense is ranked No. 1 in our class in the state and our defense has really come together. Anything less than a state title is a failure."
Others announced today:
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