Marshall becomes third commitment for the Horns
Dallas Bishop Dunne defensive tackle Thomas Marshall became the third Texas commitment on Wednesday when he gave Mack Brown and the Longhorns a verbal pledge after attending a three-day camp in Austin. We caught up with Marshall to get his feelings on the days events:
Jason Suchomel: Thomas, I understand you had some big news today?
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Thomas Marshall: Yep, I committed to Texas after the camp ended.
JS: Was that something you were expecting or were you a little surprised by it?
TM: I was just hoping that they would see my abilities to play the game. I wasnt really planning to commit today but it just kind of happened.
JS: How did the offer come about?
TM: I went into the office after the camp with my parents and coach Brown spoke with us. We had about a 30 minute discussion about Texas and how it would be and the realities of me playing.
JS: Are they looking at you on offense or on defense?
TM: Defense.
JS: Do you have a preference?
TM: Id prefer to stay on defense.
JS: What do you think caught their eye and made them go ahead and extend an offer?
TM: My athleticism and my ability to move around with my size.
JS: We have you at 6-6 and 310 pounds. Is that still accurate?
TM: Yes.
JS: Did it come as a surprise to get that offer?
TM: I kind of felt like it would happen but I wasnt expecting it this soon.
JS: What other schools had offered?
TM: Georgia Tech, Baylor and Arizona.
JS: What made you want to give an early commitment?
TM: Well, lately its been so hectic with all the coaches calling and stuff. And I already knew that I wanted to go to Texas. It was just a matter of them offering me a scholarship.
JS: Did they talk to you about the potential to get in the mix as a true freshman or would you rather redshirt?
TM: Well, they said since Im still young (he turns 17 next week), they said Ill probably redshirt.
JS: Ultimately, what was it about Texas that made you want to be a Longhorn?
TM: To me, Texas has a great tradition not just a tradition of winning but one that they really care for each other and I really like that. Also, Texas is a school that wants to be the best so we both have that in common.
JS: Do you know what your stats were as a junior?
TM: I know I had six sacks and it was over 100 tackles.
JS: Would you say youre more of a run stuffer or a pass rusher?
TM: Right now Id say Im better at stopping the run. This summer Im trying to work on my upper body strength and getting my feet a little quicker to more versatile.