USC is more than football to Marshall

LONG BEACH, Calif. - Iman Marshall created quite the stir leading up to signing day. The five-star corner was tight lipped about his decision and was open to six different schools. But when it was time for him to make a commitment, he chose USC.

And he chose USC because of it's vast network of connections.

"That's what I really looked into in my decision," Marshall said. "Not just the football side because all the schools I was looking at had great football programs. Michigan was a great network and foundation as well that I really took into consideration, deeply. With the opportunity you have there and the alumni, Notre Dame as well. The program with a great network. But at the end of the day, I got the same thing at USC and you can't beat a sunny day in four seasons. That's something that helped me out in my decision. It was basically a little too cold for me so I came here to USC."

Many had predicted that Marshall would eventually be a Trojan. But it wasn't an easy decision for him. At the end, every school was very close.

"It came down to the wire," Marshall said. "I put a lot of thought into it and I asked God to help me through the process with my decision."

The Trojan coaches are just starting to celebrate. Marshall didn't even inform them that he'd chosen USC.

"I didn't tell them at all. I wanted them to stress, I wanted everyone to stress and wait to the end to figure out and see for them for myself," Marshall said.

And there wasn't anyone on USC's team that could've given the staff advanced notice.

"I haven't talked to any of the dudes at USC," Marshall said. "I was trying to make the best decision for me and what I feel is the best decision for me."

Now that decision is done. But Marshall's letter of intent was not faxed before or during the ceremony. He says it should be into Heritage Hall soon.

"I'm going to try to go do it but I've been really busy," Marshall said.

When Marshall does fax in his letter of intent, he'll officially be a Trojan. But during the process, a few other teams made a strong push.

"Florida State, Michigan as well. It was a tight line but at the end of the day, USC was the place to be," Marshall said.

But those official visit will always be special to Marshall. It gave him an opportunity to make an informed decision.

"It'll be something I remember for ever," Marshall said. "I got to talk to Jim Harbaugh, he's a great coach, a great man most importantly. The experience as well and having the opportunity talk to them as well. They're great dudes. Jimbo Fisher as well, Tim Brewster, Corey Raymond at LSU and Brian Kelly. Those are all great programs and I appreciate them offering me a scholarship as well and bringing me on campus. But USC was where I needed to be."

Marshall ended up taking four official visits after canceling the Oregon trip. Despite plenty of rumors, Marshall didn't visit either USC or UCLA this weekend. The rumors about his visit to a posh hotel are true but it had nothing to do with football.

"It was my friends birthday so I went up there and he treated me," Marshall said.