Keith Marshall Update: Nation's Top RB Sets 3 Official Visits, Who Leads?

There are those in the recruiting world that have Keith Marshall as the nation's No. 1 running back and a top-10 overall recruit. While I have Johnathan Gray higher on my board than Marshall, I still view him as one of the elite players in the country.

With that honor comes a ton of offers, and Marshall has an offer from just about everyone. He's been pretty quiet about his recruitment and has played it close to the vest, but he has set three trips.

Does that give an indication of who leads for Marshall?

Who Is Keith Marshall?

Marshall is considered one of the top 15 players in America. Scout.com has him as their No. 1 running back prospect and No. 5 overall recruit.

At 5'11", 185-pounds, Marshall has been timed in the 4.3 range in the 40-yard dash, and his speed shows up on tape. He clearly understands that getting to the second level of the defense is where he makes his money as his burst to and through holes is excellent.

He's a big-time home run threat that also shows solid vision, field awareness, elusiveness, nimble feet and long split.

Marshall can also be used as a receiver out of the backfield and reminds me a bit of LeSean "Shady" McCoy of the Eagles.

Visit No. 1: Georgia

Marshall has set a trip to Athens on September 10th, and it's a significant gesture as UGA has been rumored by some to maybe be the favorite. 

Although it's hard to tell right now, Marshall making Georgia his first official visit is a good sign for the Dawgs. Teaming him up with 2011 signee Isaiah Crowell would rival the future tandem of Malcolm Brown and Johnathan Gray at Texas.

Playing in the SEC is said to be very appealing for Marshall.

Visit No. 2: Notre Dame

Notre Dame gets to host Marshall for his second visit, on October 22nd. This is a huge game (USC) and weekend for Irish, as Byron Marshall and many other top prospects will also be in attendance.

The Irish have recruited Marshall extremely hard, as they figure his skill set and speed would translate well into their spread offensive attack. Yet, I believe a chalk talk with Marshall and a study of current Irish running back Cierre Wood needs to happen to convince him.

Savon Huggins opted against signing with ND last year in part due to questions of how the running back position will used under Brian Kelly. Could Marshall do the opposite?

Visit No. 3: Florida

November 26th marks the day Marshall will trek over to Gainesville to check out the Gator program.

Florida is enjoying a nice 2012 recruiting run and Marshall could be the recruit that pushes UF well into the No. 1 overall class conversation.

Will Muschamp and Charlie Weis have been all over Marshall and toting the rock for the Gators is tough to pass up.

Weis runs a pro-style offense that starts with a great rushing attack, and Marshall could be used just like Jamaal Charles was used by Weis in Kansas City for the Chiefs.

Possible Other Visits

Now with Marshall only setting up just three trips, that obviously means he still has another two he can schedule. Who will be other two visits?

According to Scout.com, Marshall says he has not decided on his final two official visits. However, he is considering Alabama, USC, Miami, Auburn, Florida State and Oregon among the final two official visits he is allowed.

Also, Marshall says he will take unofficial visits to South Carolina and North Carolina, as there is no need for him to officially visit those schools since he lives so close in the Carolina region.

When Will a Decision Be Made?

As with many high profile, big-name recruits today they like to either chose to wait until National Signing Day or announce at a prime time post-season all-star game.

Well, Marshall is not going to do that.

A decision is going to made fairly early, as Marshall wants to enroll at a college in January of 2012. Thus, he most likely will be making his choice sometime this December, if not earlier.

Stay tuned.