Why Ben Marshall, a 3-star tight end for Blackman, committed to California football, Pac-12
Staying close to home is a common answer many football recruits give when they make their college choice.
Blackman senior tight end Ben Marshall isn't one of them.
Marshall committed to California on Friday, choosing the Golden Bears over other Power 5 schools such as Vanderbilt.
"It's a lot different there than Tennessee," said Marshall, who is ranked as a three-star prospect (No. 58 tight end nationally in the 2023 class, No. 39 overall in Tennessee). "I lived in Tennessee all my life. This is something different. The weather and facilities, everything is nice."
Marshall is the second Blackman player to commit this month, joining senior wide receiver Justin Brown, who chose Mississippi State a week ago.
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The 6-foot-5, 220-pound Marshall also had offers from Ole Miss, West Virginia, Memphis, North Carolina State, Pittsburgh, Indiana and Washington State, among others.
He said Vandy, Pitt and Memphis were also in his final choices. He said the Tigers were "really close"
But Cal was where he felt most comfortable after taking a June visit.
"I love the energy from the coaches," Marshall said. "They talked about me playing early. They don't want me sitting around. Playing as a freshman means a lot to me. Not a lot of schools talked about that. The way they use their tight ends gives me a better chance to play early.
"I really like the Pac 12 and the style of play there."
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Marshall had 65 catches for 834 yards and seven touchdowns during a breakout junior season in 2021, which garnered a slew of Division I offers.
He said he was interested in studying business in college, and was high on Cal's Haas School of Business.
During the recruitment process Marshall had the most communication with tight ends coach Geep Cryst, director of player personnel Marshall Cherrington and offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave.
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"During the visit, we would have downtime, where we could spend time with players," Marshall said. "I would go with them and ask them questions. They said the coaches really care about you and make sure everything is good mentally and physically."
Cal went 5-7 overall, 4-5 in the Pac-12 last season.
Blackman opens its season at Brentwood Aug. 19.
Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.
This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Why Ben Marshall committed to California football, Blackman 3-star TE
