Keith Marshall expects to be fast at the NFL Combine
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – There weren’t many interviews that went by during the regular season that former Georgia running back Keith Marshall wasn’t asked about the knee he tore two years ago at Tennessee.
Although Marshall claimed to be fine, a skeptical media always wondered if that was really the case. After being thoroughly examined by NFL doctors, nobody needs to question that anymore.
“There wasn’t so much concern, they just wanted to talk and get a feel for me,” Marshall told UGASports during a brief media session Thursday at Lucas Oil Stadium. “We did medical yesterday (Wednesday) and everything checked out 100 percent, the doctors said it looked as good as it possibly could. So that’s great, it’s a blessing, so now just a matter of me getting to know everyone and talk about the process.”
That being the case, Marshall said he’s looking forward to showing teams that he hasn’t lost any speed.
He claims he has not.
“I’m not going to throw any numbers out there, but I expect to be fast,” said Marshall, who declined to make any predictions.
“I’ve run some crazy 40 times, we’ll see,” Marshall said. “I’m not going to throw out any times, but I’m right where I need to be.”
He’s already impressed scouts with the bench press portion of the workouts.
On Thursday, Marshall did 25 reps (225 pounds) on the bench press, which he confirmed was the most of any running back, including Heisman trophy winner Derrick Henry (22).
“I’m just very excited and very blessed,” Marshall said. “This (taking part in The Combine) is a dream I’ve had since middle school, so to come here and compete, I’m very happy.”
Marshall rushed for 1,379 yards and scored 12 touchdowns over the course of his injury-plagued career. He harbored no ill-will for what might be considered limited work after rushing just 68 times for 350 yards and four scores this year.
“That’s something I can’t control and right now that’s in the past. I’m just focused on the future,” Marshall said. “I’ve never questioned my skill set.”
