The second commit on a busy Sunday and fourth overall pledge for Ohio State's 2014 recruiting class was Southfield (MI) High DE Lawrence Marshall.
Marshall issued his verbal to the OSU staff during his unofficial visit to Columbus this past weekend, selecting the Bucks over offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Tennessee, and others.
Lawrence Marshall became #4 for the BuckeyesThe four-star defensive end had seen the Buckeyes' campus before, when Marshall took in "The Game" back in November and enjoyed his experience, but it came as somewhat a surprise that he ended the recruiting process so soon, especially hailing from the state up north.
Ohio State and Kerry Coombs continue to work their magic in Michigan with the commitment of Marshall, and they also landed Detroit Cass Tech DB Damon Webb earlier in the year and are going hard after Grand Rapids Christian WR Drake Harris and Detroit Loyola DL Malik McDowell for 2014.
The state has been very kind to Ohio State in the past, as several natives from enemy territory have made significant contributions for the Buckeyes, including Craig Krenzel, Vernon Gholston, Reid Fragel, and Johnathan Hankins.
OSU hopes that trend leads on for the coming years with Webb and now Marshall, who both have the elite skills to succeed once they arrive on campus.
Join us after the jump to find out how Marshall delivered the news to the staff, what his role may be with the Silver Bullets, and what ultimately led the elite pass-rusher to choose the Buckeyes over the in-state Wolverines and Spartans.
How was your second visit to Ohio State?
It was a fantastic visit. I got to see the academic side of things to show me what it would be like if I went to Ohio State. I plan on majoring in Sports Management and Ohio State has a great program for that. I also got to hang out with the players in the dorms and they made me feel like I belong. My future teammates are all great guys and it showed me it was where I needed to be.
Why did you choose the Buckeyes over the two teams in your own state?
The coaches, the players, and the program itself. I want to play for a program that is competing for championships year in and year out and Ohio State offers that opportunity as good as any other team. The coaches and the players share the same mission that I do. It was a perfect fit. It was the right place for me. I love everything about The Ohio State University.
What coaches were the most influential in your decision to commit?
My position coach, Mike Vrabel. He is one of the most knowledgeable coaches I have ever been around. Playing for Vrabel will be a tremendous honor. Coach Meyer is a guy that helped me know it was the right decision too. He didn't pressure me at all and showed me love. He was a guy that made it clear I was one of his primary targets. Coach Coombs was the most influential though. He comes to see me almost every week. Coach Coombs is who I have the best relationship with and allowed me to feel comfortable with the school.
How did you deliver the news to the staff?
I had a meeting with Coach Meyer in his office on Sunday morning. It was me, my mother, my sister, Coach Coombs, and Coach Meyer. Coach Meyer asked me when I thought I might end my recruiting process. I told them "right now, I want to be a Buckeye." Everybody in the room flipped out. The coaches did not expect that. My family wasn't expecting it either. I surprised everyone in the room. My family was on board with the decision. It was a great feeling.
Is your process completely over? Do you plan on taking any more visits?
I do not plan on taking any more visits. Ohio State is the pick.
What position does the staff want you to play?
They got me at defensive end. They want me as a guy that can get after the quarterback. That is my specialty.
Have you had the chance to talk to any of the other commits in your class yet?
I hit up Damon Webb and told him that I committed. He was a bit surprised too, but he loved it. The next step is to get Drake [Harris] and [Malik] McDowell on board too.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Comments
We get Drake and Mcdowell on board mgo will be in complete meltdown! Lawrence welcome to Buckeye nation! Can't wait to see you getting to the quarterback!
No kidding, while we don't like it, we have grown accustomed to them getting a couple solid guys from Ohio. We have gotten the odd michigan player (although they do tend to be influential, see Krenzel, Gholston, and Hankins), but not like this. And if we get essentially all 4 of their elite players this year, yikes. I just wish we had more room, 2015 could be like 30 guys since our scholarship limit will be lifted.
Seems like a great kid, and I am pumped to have him. Lawrence just needs to put on a little more weight and he will be a sack machine. Great start to the 2014 class! Go Bucks!
Coach Coombs FTW!
Honestly,thought some of these Michigan kids would go down to the wire,ie. Webb,Marshall,Drake,and McDowell.Was shocked to see not one but 2 already committed to the good guys!! Love this.Hope both will be big recruiters for us!!
SCOTTC.
"Why did you choose the Buckeyes over the two teams in your own state?"
.....as great a question that was, Lawrence's answer was even greater.
As always, good stuff 11W, thanks for all you do.
Go Bucks!
"Success - it's what you do with what you got" - Woody Hayes
Love it.
I think with the two Michigan kids already on board and our relationship with Harris and McDowell, we have as good a shot as any to not land one of them but both! Both could end up being 5 stars as well.
I love it. We'll take yo recruits!
I swear to God, I cannot contain my excitement for what is happening!
"Here officer, hold my beer while I find my license."
Love it. Can't wait to see this kid on the field.
I think we should take four out of TSUN, just because we can. It's a purple nurple for Hoke every signing day.
Anyone notice how much taller this kid is that Urban in that pic? Urban is 6'2". Lawrence has to have grown well over the 6'3" he's listed at.
Kid sounds great. Love recruits who want to recruit. Mgoblog will be in full meltdown.
Sounds completely committed and ready to get the last of their states players here that we want with Damons help. Welcome aboard and congrats!
I know I say it often but, DAMN IT FEELS GOOD TO BE BUCKEYE!!!!!
Gotta love early recruiters, too. I like this kids speed on the edge..... yea buddy!!!!
Dudes got some awesome speed off the end! A great addition to the Silver Bullets.
Me want Kerry Coombs!
What an indespensible coach he's been in the short time he's been here. Tireless recruiter and brings the juice each and every chance he gets. Coombs epitomizes what it takes to be an assisatant coach at The Ohio State University under Urban Meyer.
"Get him a body bag, Yeah!"
planting the flag
mark may wins douchebag of the year... again
Love how well-spoken the kid is and that he committed with his family there. The mark of an impressive coaching staff is when impressive kids (Elliot, Bell, Marshall, and all the others I know less about) see there is the complete deal at tOSU.
He "chose Ohio State because he wants to win championships". Love that line and I love that Coach Vrabel is coming into his own as a recruiter. Awesome stuff for the Buckeyes.
Brady has to be crappin his pants right now. I hear he is getting Urbs back by going hard after M. Lattimore! Good luck with that... Heh Heh
"They hate us because they ain't us" - Sully
I would love to know how many food stains on Flounder Hoke's office are based on hearing Urban recruiting news while eating - which is no doubt a 24/7 endeavor.
The best thing about Pastafarianism? It is not only acceptable, but advisable, to be heavily sauced
Just like to say thanks for answering all the questions. Great responses. Get tired of hearing the one line predictable answers. Welcome!, can't wait to see you start competing for and winning those championships.