2014 Michigan Recruit Profiles: Lawrence Marshall

Recruit Information

Recruit Name: Lawrence Marshall

Height/Weight: 6-3, 225 lbs

Hometown/School: Southfield, MI (Southfield High School)

Position: Weakside Defensive End

247 Rating: ✮✮✮✮, 10th WDE in the nation

Rivals Rating: ✮✮✮, No Position Ranking

ESPN Rating: ✮✮✮✮, 10th WDE in the nation

Scout Rating: ✮✮✮✮, No Position Ranking

Scouting Reports

Allen Trieu, Scout.com

Very long frame. Has great athleticism, change of direction and speed in pursuit. Has all of the tools to be an elite pass rusher, just needs continued work on his technique. Plays with hand down in high school, but may be a stand-up rusher in college. Has not been asked to drop into coverage much, but that's something he may be asked to do at the next level. Has to add some weight, but all of the raw tools are there.

Gerry Hamilton, 247Sports ($)

I love his closing speed/burst - last 2-3 steps. I really think he's among the elite DE's in the 2014 class in that regard. Overall, I like the athleticism he possesses. Reactive quickness is ++ too. He reacts laterally well IMO.  I think Marshall has a good, but not special first step. When you combine the first step, the reactive quickness and the closing burst, however, I think he's among the best at his position in the class. While Marshall has to get bigger and strong at the point of attack, he is active with his hands and possesses quick hands.

Andy Reid, Rivals.com ($)

"Marshall is a very speedy player off the edge, capable of rushing the passer. That also helps in chasing down running plays from the backside, or stringing them out to his side of the field. He is developing strength at the point of attack, and improving his discipline in holding the edge."

His Role in 2014

Marshall is entering an interesting position heading into 2014, the defensive end is not a deep position by any means. However, Michigan saw a lot of young talent see playing last year which should carry over into 2014. With the competition seemingly quite stiff in 2014, it is a relative unknown whether Marshall could see significant playing time this season. With Frank Clark, Mario Ojemudia and Taco Charlton expected to see a lot of snaps, the opportunity for significant playing time might be slim this season.

Considering Marshall needs to make some strides in the weight and strength department before settling in at the weak-side, a redshirt year barring any major injuries or other hits to the depth chart is likely.

Highlight Tape

Joshua Henschke covers University of Michigan football for SB Nation's Maize n Brew. You can follow him on Twitter @JoshuaHenschke.