Could Mr. Ohio get playing time right away in Ann Arbor?
After the 2024 early signing period this week, the Michigan Wolverines hold the No. 15 ranked overall class, per the 247Sports composite. The class is as well-rounded as they come, with a quarterback of the future, a one-deep along the offensive line, versatile defenders, and a one-two punch at running back.
The highest ranked of Michigan’s two running backs — four-star and the reigning Mr. Ohio, Jordan Marshall — has been named as an instant impact player as a true freshman by On3. Here’s what they had to say about the top-100 overall prospect and a possible future workhorse for the Maize and Blue:
Jordan Marshall is one of the most well-rounded running backs in the entire country. At 5-foot-11, 200 pounds, Marshall has the frame and overall skillset to come into a Power 5 program and take pivotal snaps from day one. Michigan will be looking to fill the void left by Blake Corum . There’s plenty of carries to go around as the Wolverines led the Power 5 in rushing touchdowns and was third in the Power 5 in total run plays. They are also 1 of 19 Power 5 teams who had two individual running backs carry the ball at least 100 times in the same season. Marshall has the opportunity to insert himself into an excellent situation and thrive very early on in his career.
They bring up a good point about the Wolverines having to replace Corum’s workload, but they may also have to replace Donovan Edwards’ carries as well. They very well could both be off to the NFL after this season, and if that comes to fruition, Michigan’s stable of running backs would consist of mainly unproven players behind Kalel Mullings. At that point, would Ben Hall be ready to prove he’s more than just a spring game sensation? Would Cole Cabana be able to shake off an injury-riddled start to his college career? And would Tavierre Dunlap be able to do ANYTHING productive outside of garbage time?
This would provide a perfect path to early playing time for a guy like Marshall — who is coming off a stellar senior season where he ran for 1,551 yards and 17 touchdowns on 254 carries, as well as 30 receptions for 394 yards and four touchdowns. Even if Edwards returns, there will likely be some carries to go around, and Marshall would certainly be a candidate to log some snaps.
Marshall isn’t a burner by any means, but he has enough speed to get down the field in a hurry. He is incredibly talented in the way he makes defenders miss — look at the highlight around the 1:28 mark and you’ll see what I mean.
As you can see in other highlights in the video above, Marshall also possesses great vision, quickly finding running lanes his offensive line creates for him. He makes precise cuts to gain extra yards, and he also isn’t afraid to run through defenders if he has to.
All in all, if Corum and Edwards both leave, Marshall could hypothetically be pushing for RB2 snaps right away. If Edwards returns, it’s still very possible we see Marshall on the field early and often next fall.
It certainly wouldn’t be the first time someone who was named Mr. Ohio made an instant impact for Michigan.