Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Marshall ready for a banner senior campaign
6/17/2020 5:00:00 PM | Football, BRAA
MURFREESBORO - When everything came together for Middle Tennessee receiver Jimmy Marshall his immense potential came to the forefront.
Marshall was relatively quiet in his first two seasons with 13 receptions for 186 yards and a pair of touchdowns; however, the 6-foot-5, 226-pound pass catcher broke out in a big way in 2019.
The dynamic Marshall had 35 catches for 513 yards and six touchdowns, including his career-long 59-yard effort in the season opener at Michigan. His strong start proved to be a preview of things to come and his finish to the season was even stronger as Marshall finished with 16 catches in his last three games.
"It all started coming together for me last season," Marshall said. "I believe I worked harder than in previous years. I have a great relationship with (receivers coach Austin Silvoy). He's been a big part of the reason for what I've done. Coach Silvoy has been big in my development and giving me an opportunity to get out there and do what I came here to do."
Silvoy has seen immense growth and development from Marshall and anticipates his 2019 season, particularly the strong finish, to parlay into even bigger results in 2020.
"Jimmy has grown so much mentally and physically," Silvoy said. "He started putting everything together. Jimmy started to realize that he has all the tools, he's been through all the training, figured out how to use his body better and the light came on and he went full steam ahead (in 2019). His passion for the game has increased in all facets, on the field, in the film room, the weight room. He finally got to see the fruits of his labor last season."
Confidence is huge for all athletes and Marshall's is sky high entering his senior season, and with good reason. He's proven himself on the field and his work ethic during the offseason has been consistent and productive, according to Silvoy.
Marshall believe his best has yet to come.
"I think (2020) will be my best year," Marshall said. "I believe I will be way better than last year. I haven't shown half of what I can do. The best is yet to come."
Increased production not only could be profitable for the Blue Raider offense, but also for Marshall's future.
"Jimmy definitely has all the tools (NFL scouts) are looking for," Silvoy said. "He is fast for his size. He catches the ball really well and he is getting smarter and smarter as a football player. There are probably some guys in the scouting world keeping an eye on him. They want to see if he can do even better and see him continue to increase his production. With the path he's on there will be a lot of teams interested in Jimmy."
Marshall's competitive nature is such that he constantly pushes himself and strives to perform at a maximum level.
"Off the field Jimmy is a really laid-back guy who keeps to himself," Silvoy said. "On the field he is ultra-competitive and absolutely hates to lose. He wants to be great and get to that next level. He practices just as hard as he plays. It means a lot to him to be good at his craft. He wants to be the best."
Marshall's size, speed, catch radius and versatility provide him an opportunity to excel but his work ethic is what affords him a chance to achieve his goals.
"I'm probably harder on myself than anyone else," Marshall said. "That is who I am made to be. When I am on the field I am a whole different person than when I'm off the field or away from the game. When I am on that field it's serious."
Marshall is serious about taking his game to an even higher level in 2020. It's not about how many catches, yards or touchdowns he has, rather it's about doing all the things necessary to help Middle Tennessee enjoy success.
Marshall was relatively quiet in his first two seasons with 13 receptions for 186 yards and a pair of touchdowns; however, the 6-foot-5, 226-pound pass catcher broke out in a big way in 2019.
The dynamic Marshall had 35 catches for 513 yards and six touchdowns, including his career-long 59-yard effort in the season opener at Michigan. His strong start proved to be a preview of things to come and his finish to the season was even stronger as Marshall finished with 16 catches in his last three games.
"It all started coming together for me last season," Marshall said. "I believe I worked harder than in previous years. I have a great relationship with (receivers coach Austin Silvoy). He's been a big part of the reason for what I've done. Coach Silvoy has been big in my development and giving me an opportunity to get out there and do what I came here to do."
Silvoy has seen immense growth and development from Marshall and anticipates his 2019 season, particularly the strong finish, to parlay into even bigger results in 2020.
"Jimmy has grown so much mentally and physically," Silvoy said. "He started putting everything together. Jimmy started to realize that he has all the tools, he's been through all the training, figured out how to use his body better and the light came on and he went full steam ahead (in 2019). His passion for the game has increased in all facets, on the field, in the film room, the weight room. He finally got to see the fruits of his labor last season."
Confidence is huge for all athletes and Marshall's is sky high entering his senior season, and with good reason. He's proven himself on the field and his work ethic during the offseason has been consistent and productive, according to Silvoy.
Marshall believe his best has yet to come.
"I think (2020) will be my best year," Marshall said. "I believe I will be way better than last year. I haven't shown half of what I can do. The best is yet to come."
Increased production not only could be profitable for the Blue Raider offense, but also for Marshall's future.
"Jimmy definitely has all the tools (NFL scouts) are looking for," Silvoy said. "He is fast for his size. He catches the ball really well and he is getting smarter and smarter as a football player. There are probably some guys in the scouting world keeping an eye on him. They want to see if he can do even better and see him continue to increase his production. With the path he's on there will be a lot of teams interested in Jimmy."
Marshall's competitive nature is such that he constantly pushes himself and strives to perform at a maximum level.
"Off the field Jimmy is a really laid-back guy who keeps to himself," Silvoy said. "On the field he is ultra-competitive and absolutely hates to lose. He wants to be great and get to that next level. He practices just as hard as he plays. It means a lot to him to be good at his craft. He wants to be the best."
Marshall's size, speed, catch radius and versatility provide him an opportunity to excel but his work ethic is what affords him a chance to achieve his goals.
"I'm probably harder on myself than anyone else," Marshall said. "That is who I am made to be. When I am on the field I am a whole different person than when I'm off the field or away from the game. When I am on that field it's serious."
Marshall is serious about taking his game to an even higher level in 2020. It's not about how many catches, yards or touchdowns he has, rather it's about doing all the things necessary to help Middle Tennessee enjoy success.
Players Mentioned
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