Jalin Jumps on Board the Urban Express

Dave Thurman (7:26 pm)

Jalin Marshall, rated the top Ohio prospect in the class of 2013, verballed to Ohio State today, becoming the second member of what promises to be a special group of athletes.  Marshall hails from Middletown (Ohio) High School, which has given the Buckeyes such legends as Jerry Lucas in hoops, and Cris Carter in football.  Although Jalin intended to wait until tomorrow and verbal on his father's birthday word leaked out of his eventual destination so he went ahead and made it offical this afternoon.

The 6'1", 190 pound quarterback is ranked by 247 Sports as the number 5 overall prospect in the class of '13, and the top rated athlete.  Although some expect him to eventually move to receiver or even become a defensive back, he will begin his OSU career as a quarterback, his postion of preference.  As a junior, Marshall rushed for 1,972 yards and 20 touchdowns, and he also passed for 781 yards and six more scores. He is reported to have run a 4.42 40 yard dash, and one look at his video shows his blazing speed.  When I look at him I see visions of Tedd Ginn Jr. and wonder if he won't eventually return kicks and punts in Columbus.  Wherever he plays, Marshall is a special athlete who brings speed and a competitive spirit to the gridiron. 

Combined with last week's verbal from corner Cameron Burrows, Ohio State has already scored the top two rated players in state for next year's class.  And Urban and company are only getting started.

Welcome aboard Jalin.  We can't wait to see you in scarlet and gray. 

Check out his highlights after the jump.

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