Undersized QB has first offer

Most high school quarterbacks under under 6-foot-0 won't get a shot at the next level. But athleticism and a competitive spirit are working in Fred Marshall's favor, and he'll surely get a chance to play college football.

Most fans around the country haven't heard of Marshall, a 5-foot-11, 190-pound quarterback from Largo, Fla. But coaches and players in his conference know all too well about him. At one point last season Marshall severely sprained his ankle and was told to sit out by coaches and doctors. But Marshall wouldn't listen, and decided to stay on the field and fight through the pain.

Wearing a heavily taped cast on his ankle and grimacing with every movement, Marshall led his team down the field during overtime in a 3-3 tie with Tarpon Springs, Fla. After the ball was snapped at the seven yard line, the play broke apart. That's when Marshall's instinct's took over.

Marshall scrambled around behind the line, eluding defenders and tucking the ball underneath his arm. He sprinted to the corner of the endzone, dove, and managed to reach the ball just inside the pylon for the winning touchdown.

Opposing coaches and players have seen Marshall dash their hopes all too often with his arm and his scrambling ability. Last year he passed for 1,300 yards and eight touchdowns and rushed for five scores as well.

"I'm not really an option quarterback, I don't think," said Marshall, who runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds. "I think I'm at my best when I can drop back and pass. But I definitely do my share of scrambling when pass protection breaks down. That's another dimension to my game that most quarterbacks don't have."

And that's why most schools view him as a defensive back at the next level.

"A lot of schools are interested in me because of my athleticism, speed and quickness," he said. "They like that I'm competitive too. Georgia Southern wants me as an option quarterback, but just about everyone else has said they want me as a free safety or defensive back of some type."

So who is the sleeper interested in?

"I've always been a huge Florida State fan," laughed Marshall. "I'm hearing from them and schools like South Florida, Central Florida and West Virginia. I have an offer from Purdue, but they probably wouldn't use me as a quarterback, which I can understand."

With his size, quickness and desire, Marshall is sure to draw comparisons to former FSU star Charlie Ward.

"Oh yeah, I remember him," he laughed. "He wasn't before my time. Guys like him are the reason I have liked Florida State so much. They've been the team to beat in the country since I was real young and they aren't done yet. They're definitely my favorite, and I'm hoping they'll offer at some point."

Marshall will attend a passing camp at South Florida and will also camp at Central Florida this summer. He has not visited any schools yet.