Rebels eager to finally enjoy versatility of Marshall’s game

Steve Guiremand

Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2004 | 10:29 a.m.

For Alvin Marshall, the waiting was the hardest part.

Trumpeted as the top junior college running back prospect on the West Coast after a standout year at Compton Community College in 2002, Marshall, a versatile 5-foot-10, 190-pounder, was being touted as a JC version of Marshall Faulk.

But bothered by sore arches on both feet, Marshall was forced to redshirt last fall in his first season at UNLV.

"Sitting out last year was rough," Marshall said. "I was getting down on myself. I felt like I shouldn't have had to (sit out), that I should have tried to play through it."

Marshall's sore feet are better now, however, and he figures to play a prominent role in UNLV's revamped offense this year.

"He's done very well," assistant head coach John Jackson said. "He's done everything we've asked of him."

And the Rebels are asking a lot from Marshall.

Besides lining up at tailback this year, Marshall will also share time with Dyante Perkins in a halfback/H-Back role. If that isn't enough, look for the former Nebraska signee to line up in the slot in passing situations to take advantage of his good hands and 4.4-second speed in the 40-yard dash.

"I'm really excited," said Marshall, who rushed for 1,347 yards and 17 touchdowns en route to Western State Conference offensive MVP honors his sophomore year at Compton College. "I like the way the offensive plays are set up.

"We're going to be passing the ball a lot more this year. The halfback spot where I'm playing a lot now involves me a lot in the passing game with everything from flats to crosses to corners. I'm lining up against a linebacker a lot of the times. ... I'd rather be in the slot than at tailback right now."

Marshall also figures to get his share of carries. He gained 49 yards on two attempts and scored a touchdown in UNLV's scrimmage on Saturday night at Sam Boyd Stadium.

"I thought he played very well in the scrimmage," Jackson said. "He blocked well and ran the ball well, too. He's a talented receiver and a very smart player. We expect him to do very, very well this season."

Marshall says his role with the Rebels is similiar to the one he had at Compton College.

"The same thing I'm doing here I did in junior college," he said. "I just had to do it more often in junior college. We have other people here who can fill the same spot. That allows me to go out and give a better effort because I'm not as tired."

Marshall says he doesn't mind the competition for playing time in a backfield that features talented senior Dominique Dorsey, Ohio State transfer JaJa Riley, Perkins, and up-and-coming speedsters such as Erick Jackson and former Cheyenne High star David Peeples.

"Yeah, there's a lot of competition, but I have a lot of fun with the guys," Marshall said. "We all learn a lot from each other and help each other. And we all want to do what it takes to win games."