The offensive star of Georgia Tech's scrimmage Saturday morning was TaQuon Marshall, who was moved to quarterback from A-back this past Monday. Marshall stood out despite, or perhaps because of, the sub-optimal play of the offensive line.
When defensive players disrupt the offense after blocking malfunctions, coach Paul Johnson said, “a good athlete like TaQuon can just run around. He can make plays when you turn (defensive players) loose.”
Marshall, who played A-back as a first-year freshman last fall, was moved to quarterback from the stocked A-back pool to provide depth at quarterback and also to challenge No. 2 quarterback Matthew Jordan. Marshall played quarterback in high school at Harris County High.
“TaQuon Marshall did some really good things (in the scrimmage),” Johnson said. “I think that’s going to be a good move. He’s quick, hard to tackle. (Heck), he was the best player on offense, probably. Hands down. Wasn’t even close.”
Depending on one’s perspective, it’s perhaps an exciting development that a dangerous player has found his niche. Or it might be concerning that Marshall was better than any of his offensive teammates in his fourth practice at the most complex position on the field. But Marshall has shown a comfort level and playmaking knack that has impressed coaches and teammates.
In the scrimmage, he fit a ball between two defenders for a long touchdown pass to wide receiver Mikell Lands-Davis and found wide receiver Ricky Jeune for a long pass down the sideline, according to the team’s practice report. Marshall later scored on a run play.
As a passer, “he’s coming along,” Jeune said. “He just switched, so of course he’s going to have to progress, but I’ve been really impressed. For somebody who just got to that position, he’s been doing pretty good.”
About the Author
