Louisville stole a longtime Nebraska target in the 2016 class right before signing day when the Cardinals nabbed Desmond Fitzpatrick. One year later, the Husker coaching staff is looking to return the favor.
On Sunday morning, wide receivers coach Keith Williams and the Nebraska coaching staff extended an offer to Justin Marshall, a 3-star wide receiver according to Hail Varsity. Marshall just finished his season at Georgia Prep Sports Academy, where he helped lead the Lions to the East Athletic Conference title. Marshall has been committed to Louisville since Aug. 31, but Nebraska is looking to make a move on the talented receiver prior to signing day.
In an exclusive interview with Hail Varsity, Marshall talked about his senior season, his reaction to receiving an offer from Nebraska and where his recruiting process currently stands.
HV: You and your teammates finished your regular season with a 5-5 record and won a conference title. What were your thoughts on your senior season and what will you remember most about your team?
JM: From leaving high school football to going into the prep school setting as the youngest on the team, it was a challenge at first and it showed me how hard I had to work and how much I needed to improve before I start playing college ball. So I had to change my work ethic and focus on doing whatever I could to be a champion at the end of the season, which was an experience I didn’t have in high school.
The relationship I’ve built with those guys is indescribable. Those are some of the best players in the nation and they have the heart of a lion. I will remember holding that championship trophy in my hand and hugging my dad and telling him I finally did it.
HV: What do you feel was your greatest strength this season? What areas of your game do you still need to work on?
JM: My greatest strength this year was being able to adapt to the pace of the game and still be a big factor in each game I played in, whether it was making big time touchdown catches, huge blocks, creating space for others to score and just being a complete leader. I need to work on getting in and out of my breaks faster to create space and I need to work on making guys miss in open field faster than usual because [at] the next level, everyone is fast and agile like I am.
HV: You’ve been committed to Louisville for awhile but you recently received an offer from Nebraska. Was that an offer you expected to get or did it catch you by surprise?
JM: I have developed a relationship with Keith Williams and he always lets me know about my importance and the impact I could make on Nebraska football. That being said, yes, it was a surprise to receive a Nebraska offer but I look at it as a huge blessing.
HV: Are you planning to visit Nebraska now that you have an offer?
JM: Yes, I am but I don’t have a set date yet.
HV: Besides Nebraska, are there any other schools that you are planning to visit?
JM: No, I don’t have any set dates to other schools at this time.
HV: Do you still consider yourself a Louisville commit? Or do you consider your recruitment open?
JM: I am a Louisville commit.
HV: What will you be looking for when you take your visit to Nebraska?
JM: I just want to experience the atmosphere.