BREAKING: No. 5 DL Nate Marshall flips commitment from Michigan to Auburn
Four-star defensive tackle Nate Marshall has flipped his commitment from Michigan to Auburn.
Marshall, who attends Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Ill., announced his decision Friday on social media. He had been committed to Michigan since April 22.
A big reason for Marshall’s decision is Auburn defensive line coach Vontrell King-Williams.
“I like Coach Vontrell,” he said. “He’s from where I’m from, so we have that connection. He’s been recruiting me for a year or two, so we have that relationship, that bond. Coach Trell, how he carries himself and how he coaches.
Marshall also likes Auburn coach Hugh Freeze and the culture he is building.
“I like the culture of the team and how Coach Freeze handles the team and handles himself,” he said. “I met some of the players, too, and they’re pretty cool. Some of the other recruits, too. Why not surround myself with good people like that.”
And now he will.
Marshall is listed at 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds. The On3 Industry Ranking, which is a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, ranks Marshall the No. 56 overall recruit in the country and No. 3 in Illinois.
He is the 23rd commitment in the Tigers’ 2025 class and fourth defensive lineman, joining Malik Autry, Antonio Coleman and Jourdin Crawford.
Marshall’s On3 Scouting Summary
Bendy big man that has unbelievable balance and body control for his stature combined with the power and explosiveness that makes him borderline unblockable at the point of attack. Two-way player that lines up at tight end and wide receiver as well.
Measured in at 6-foot-4, 270 pounds during summer campus visits. Tested well in agility drills during camp settings. Great weight distribution throughout his frame. Possesses excellent raw power and shock in his hands. Has the ability to rush the passer from the edge if asked to do so.
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Will develop proper pad level and contact initiation at the next level with collegiate coaching. Has tremendous upside due to frame and athletic tools. Best football is ahead of him.
On3 Personal Life
Marshall’s original plan was to star as a basketball player. His mother Khara played at DePaul, and his uncle, Ken Norman, played at Illinois before enjoying a lengthy career in the NBA. But during a summer math enrichment class before his freshman year, a chance conversation with his teacher influenced Marshall to come out for football.
“The first day that Nate walked into the classroom, I knew he was someone I needed to get on the football field,” Dominic Bolton, the teacher who also happens to be a coach on Fenwick’s freshman team, told the Journal of Oak Park and River Forest. “The first reason was mainly because of his size; he towered over all the freshmen. Every day I would ask Nate, ‘What are your thoughts on playing football?’ His response was, ‘I’ll think about it.’ On the last day of class I told him, ‘I’ll see you at the first practice.’ He didn’t say anything, looked at me, and smiled when walking out. Sure enough, he showed up the first day of practice, and the legend of Nate Marshall began.”
During the 2023 season, Marshall was named his league’s defensive player of the year after recording 38 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, six sacks, 13 quarterback hits, four forced fumbles and four blocked kicks. On offense, he had four touchdown receptions.
