UNLV, Marshall still waiting for clearance from doctors

Steve Guiremand

Thursday, June 9, 2005 | 10:41 a.m.

Senior slotback Alvin Marshall sat out most of spring practice while undergoing tests for chest pains that forced him to check into a hospital after the pains became too severe.

Now more than two months later, Marshall, the Rebels' top returning receiver from the 2004 season, still has not been cleared to take part in conditioning drills. And there is a real concern among the UNLV coaching staff that Marshall's playing career could be over.

"Right now I'd say he's very questionable (to play next season)," UNLV head coach Mike Sanford said. "His whole situation is very much in the air. It's in the hands of the doctors right now. I'd say it's 50-50 whether he plays again."

Marshall, who initially thought the problem may have been caused by acid reflux due to poor eating habits, is expected to seek a second medical opinion in the next couple of weeks before making a decision on his playing future.

"He still is undergoing tests," Sanford said. "He still has not been cleared to work out yet."

Marshall, who has been timed at 4.45 in the 40-yard dash, finished second to Earvin Johnson in receptions for the Rebels last season with 37 catches for 437 yards and one touchdown despite getting a crash course on wide receiver early in the season after starting out at running back. The switch was made following a rash of injuries at the wide receiver position.

Marshall had 24 of his receptions during the final five games of the season, including eight for 50 yards in the season finale at San Diego State.

A former J.C. All-American at Compton College who drew comparisons to Marshall Faulk from former Rebels head coach John Robinson because of his running and receiving abilities, Marshall was expected to be a key factor as a slotback in Sanford's new offense, which often features four wideouts. If Marshall can't play, the Rebels are likely to need immediate help from highly touted true freshmen Corey Anderson, Justin Marvel and Renan Saint Preux.

"It also will put a big emphasis on the play of Donell Wheaton and Tremayne Kirkland," Sanford said.

Kirkland, a first-team all-Mountain West Conference punt returner as a freshman in 2003, missed the entire 2004 season and all of spring practice because of a separated shoulder which required surgery. However, Kirkland recently was cleared to resume weight lifting and conditioning drills.

Wheaton caught just four passes last season but was one of the offensive stars of spring practice.