UK commit Jiquavious Marshall goes on the record

One of Kentucky's most intriguing commitments from the 2024 recruiting class is Jiquavious Marshall, a 6'3.5, 185-pound defensive back who could get a shot at cornerback when he gets to Lexington.

We know that Kentucky and all other programs have a preference for length in the secondary, all other things being equal - and sometimes program give up a little to get that coveted size in the secondary.

Marshall hasn't gone on the record often since he pledged to Kentucky over the summer. The three-star (5.7 RR) prospect had been heavily interested in Florida State, but told Cats Illustrated over the summer that when the Seminoles seemed to rest easy in their position, Kentucky put on the full court press and locked him down.

Just last week Marshall went on the record in a video interview with Jon Nelson of Georgia Public Broadcasting Sports.

Owens: Why Kentucky? What was the recruiting process like?

Marshall: When I was at Kentucky it was more of a brotherhood than all other programs. Don't get me wrong. The other programs have brotherhood too but when I was at Kentucky it was like ... it reminded me a lot of Westside High School.

Owens: What was it specifically? The food, friendship, facilities?

Marshall: The experience was breathtaking. It was more of the players and also the coaches. It's more than football. I've got to make sure that without football Im still going to have the coaches help and also the players I'm going to be around the most.

Owens: After your playing career is over what are you looking to do and how will it help you achieve those off the field goals?

Marshall: I wanted to go for sports medicine so when I'm done with football I can still stay around the sport and be an athletic trainer.

Owens: ... What are they telling you you'll be able to do for them?

Marshall: They expect a lot of me as a cornerback. They have a whole game plan for me that we go over every time I go up there. ... I'm looking forward to meeting their expectations.

Owens: What have you been working on to get ready?

Marshall: It's more working hard, the weight room part. On the field I'm meeting my expectations, my goals, the coaches goals. It's the weight room. I've got to get my body prepared for the college level.

Owens: Are they saying you've got to get on the meal plan and add another 15-20 in muscle?

Marshall: They're looking at 205, 210.

Owens: How do you get to 205-210. Any of that central Georgia BBQ?

Marshall: They're saying they're going to have a meal for me so every weight training day ...

Owens: What have you needed to work on on the field?

Marshall: My leadership role on the field. I'd say, I take it personal if we're not doing good. If we're not perfect on the field. I'm passionate for the game and I call out sometimes and that's something I've got to work on.

Owens: Are you naturally a quiet person? Have you become more vocal over time?

Marshall: I was a quiet kid. I let my actions show on the field for how I play and how passionate I am for the game. Over the years I've been doing my talking and communicating with other teammates.

Owens: You've got a tough region with tough teams to compete with. For someone who has never seen Region 2 how would you break down what it is to go against these teams?

Marshall: It's a lot of talent down here in our division. There's a lot of kids who are underrated but we have talent at every school and it's going to be a good fight going up against them.