The Florida Gators land their biggest commitment to date in the 2021 class when Miami (Fla.) Palmetto five-star cornerback Jason Marshall pull the trigger. In what should be considered a bit of a surprising choice, Marshall chose the Gators over other finalists Alabama, LSU, Miami and Oregon.
Marshall was a top scorer for the Gators on this track this cycle and they have been pushing hard for him since his second year. Recently, things got in the way of Miami in this recruitment, with a string of 247Sports Crystal Ball for the South Florida defender. However, it was his years of ties with the Florida staff that Marshall won and eventually landed in the Gators class.
“They just really liked me because they offered me my second year and since then I’ve grown relationships with coach [Dan] Mullen, coach [Brian] Johnson, a coach [Torrian] Gray.”
The Gators have continued to concentrate on adding help to their defensive secondary through the recruiting track, and they have several upcoming capitals on the roster this coming season. With expected deviations, the Florida field is where Marshall can see the field early.
“They said that to me and that it was possible for me to come in and have early playing time,” Marshall said. “I think I can fit their defense because of the techniques they play and the style of defense.”
The Gators 2021 recruiting class so far sits at 24 members and Marshall is now the crown jewel of that class. Deployment prospects for the Gators currently in the 2021 cycle include the newly minted Marshall along with Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas defenses end of four stars Tyreak Sapp, Ocala (Fla.) Vanguard four-star wide receiver Trevonte Rucker, Loganville (GA) Grayson four-star quarterback Carlos Del Rio, Sumter (SC) four-star defensive end Justus Boone, Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian four-star wide receiver Marcus Burke, Canonsburg (PA) Peters Township four-star safety Donovan McMillon, Winter Park (Fla.) Three-star safety Dakota Mitchell, Orlando (Fla.) Jones three-star offensive approach Javonte Gardner, Powder Springs (GA) McEachern four-star linebacker Chief Borders, Seffner (Fla.) Armwood four-star athlete Charles Montgomery, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy four-star defensive back Kamar Wilcoxson, Loganville (Ga.) Grayson four-star wide receiver Daejon Reynolds, Tampa (Fla.) Jefferson four-star tight end Gage Wilcox, Jacksonville (Fla.) Episcopal three-star tight end Nick Elksnis, Seffner (Fla.) Armwood three-star defensive work Desmond Watson, Fort Myers (Fla.) Dunbar three-star defensive end Christopher Thomas, Tampa (Fla.) Gaither three-star cornerback Jordan Young, Ocala (Fla.) Trinity Catholic offensive center Jake Slaughter, Burleson (TX) three-star quarterback Jalen Kitna, and Lynn Haven (Fla.) Mosley three-star offensive tackle Adrein Strickland, and Lake Mary (Fla.) long snapper Rocco Underwood. The Gators also see Junior College prospects Deyavie Hammond en Diwun Black as promises also this cycle.
Below is 247Sports player evaluation about Marshall:
Has given the appearance of a cornerback of the new age its length. Some muscles are already developed in the upper body, but none where nearby are maxed out. A natural athlete with a bounce after his step that is likely to come from his basketball background. Traps the ball extremely well and does not seem to have a problem turning his hips as he walks into cover. Runs out on defense, but also affects offense and can score through the return game. Is sometimes physical, but has not been asked to put much pressure on high school. Plays fast for its size but top speed a question mark. Must develop into a multi-year starter at the Power 5 level and projects as a potential Day 2 concept pick.
The 247Sports Composite, an average generated by the industry, currently ranks Marshall as the No. 29 overall prospect in the 2021 recruiting class and the No. 2 ranked cornerback this cycle.
