Impact Analysis: Iman Marshall
The recruitment of five-star cornerback Iman Marshall is perhaps the most polarizing in the class of 2015.
The Long Beach (Calif.) Poly product is the No. 1 ranked player at his position, the No. 2 ranked player in the state of California and the No. 3 ranked prospect in the country.
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Yet Marshall has taken each major offer in stride and with humble intentions. The 6-foot-1, 194-pounder has done his best to not tip his hand as to where he will be playing his college football.
He has had the opportunity to play at any school he wants in any state he wants and maybe even at whatever position he wants.
Today Marshall made a decision that was as long-awaited as any football recruiting choice in recent memory, picking USC over UCLA, Florida State, Michigan, LSU and Notre Dame.
Marshall's choice to attend USC not only sends the recruiting class soaring to the best class in the country, but it also brings up a whole lot of questions.
Will Marshall be a starter from day one? Will he be an immediate impact player as a true freshman?
To answer the first question: It still remains to be seen due to the fact that the Trojans return two starters at the cornerback position from last season in Adoree' Jackson and Kevon Seymour.
But Marshall is widely considered the best corner in the nation and has the potential to carry-over his lockdown receiver coverage to the collegiate level. How do you keep that off the field?
With Jackson planning to take more snaps on the offensive side of the ball next season, it's a definite possibility that Marshall will see plenty of time at corner position and perhaps compete for a starting job at nickel.
What impact could Marshall have as a true freshman? A big one.
His strengths at the position don't waiver from one aspect to the next. He has the size and strength to jam the quickest receivers at the line of scrimmage.
He then has the speed to keep up with said receivers in coverage down-field and to recover if he becomes a little over aggressive.
Maybe the best part of Marshall's ability is his football instinct. His read and react ability makes a pass breakup or interception a possibility on just about any pass thrown in his direction.
With such a loaded defensive backfield already in place, Marshall definitely fits in seamlessly, but it remains to be seen in exactly what capacity. But don't be surprised to see this stud corner be a major contributor and potentially a starter at the position.
