Standing at 6’5, 315 lbs, it is impossible to miss the defying presence of Northwood High School’s 4 star tackle, Cory Marshall. Last season, Marshall raked in 84 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 3 pass deflections, and 1 fumble recovery touchdown. The dominating tackle benches 315 lbs, squats 430 lbs, and cleans 280 lbs with a 4.8 on the 40. Playing both defensive and offensive tackle, Marshall’s talents have not gone unnoticed from those at the next level, as he has received offers from Tulane University, Colorado State University, University of Southern Mississippi, Southern University, Louisiana Tech, and the University of Lafayette. Adding to his growing list of accomplishments, Marshall received a 10/10 ranking in six out of ten categories including weight, strength, hand technique, footwork, skill, and vision.
When was your first time playing football?
- I started playing flag football at like 5 or 6.
Why did you start playing football?
- I’ve always been huge so it was kind of like, my dad just threw me some shoulder pads one day and was like “We’re gonna play football.”
What are some of your hobbies outside of football or like on a free day?
- I’m either hanging out with teammates going fishing or mud riding or something or I’m just working out. I honestly don’t do anything but work out and hang out with my teammates.
Who inspires you? What is it about that person that inspires you?
- Aaron Donald inspires me, the defensive tackle. He inspires me because he is one the best defensive linemen in the NFL right now.
What do you think you’ve learned outside of football that helps you or that you use while playing football?
- My athletic ability. I’m super flexible. I can get low, which helps me block people or get through defenders.
How do you feel your coach would describe you?
- I’m always determined, like before a game you won’t hear me talk much. And I’m like the fun guy on the team so everybody loves me. I’m always getting them hype, like when we’re working out I’m always the hype one in the room.
What have you learned the most from playing football?
- Football has really prepared me for the adult world. It helps me to make sure I’m on time for things.
What are some of your goals going into the next year?
- Really just to make it to the state championship and win it. Also for my team to remain healthy.
What qualities or characteristics would you say makes a great football player?
- You have to be a leader. You have to have a strong mentality and you have to not be able to give up.
Do you prefer a defensive or offensive game? Why?
- I’m best at offensive line but I prefer defensive line because it’s more physical and more hype. You’re able to make a bunch of tackles and everybody goes crazy. I live for those moments.
Marshall’s skills on the field bleed through to his everyday life. It was more than a pleasure to interview a young man whose maturity and respect was undeniable. He plans to carry out his love for football way beyond his own playing years, determined to major in kinesiology and become a coach or physical therapist. Any football team will be blessed to have such a promising young player on their roster next season.
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