Florida CB Jason Marshall Jr. Taking Young Secondary Talent Under His Wing
Jason Marshall Jr. is a pillar of not just the Gators' secondary in the upcoming campaign, but the defense as a whole.
As a result, he’s taking on an expanded role beyond his mere on-field production.
Considered a projected first-round draft pick next offseason with significant experience and knowledge of the position to bestow on the next generation of talent, Marshall is expected to supplement Corey Raymond’s development of the defensive backs, paying forward Kaiir Elam’s veteran leadership of him in 2021 to the next generation of Gators secondary talent.
It has the potential to be a valuable return on investment for Florida’s young but talented corps in 2023 and in succeeding seasons.
“I have to take on that leader role,” Marshall said just before he took the SEC Media Days podium on Wednesday. “I was once in their shoes. I had Kaiir teaching me, laying the foundation of what to do and things like that. So now, passing that knowledge that I got from Kaiir on down to them, you know, it keeps the DBU generation going.”
His mentorship will incorporate the unit as a whole. But, notably, Marshall has taken incoming true freshman Ja’Keem Jackson under his wing for the 2023 season.
"That’s my guy,” Marshall said. “He’s looking good, he’s doing good. Well-developed. You should see him playing this season.”
Raymond jumped into the sweepstakes for the 2023 Osceola High product in the spring prior to his senior season. Recognizing the rare skill set Jackson possesses — encompassing a long, swift-moving frame, premier athletic ability, moldable technique, knowledge of playing both sides of the ball and uncanny instinct with the ball in the air — Raymond pinned down his cycle-defining recruit in late July.
The pledge was followed by a meteoric rise up rankings lists as his intangibles and production were noticed on a national scale.
The Gators' early entry to the process helped fend off other potential suitors as they looked to pluck him away at the 11th hour. However, he stuck in the 20-man class at UF last cycle.
Now, as the prototype for how Florida looks to recruit the position moving forward, enters year one of his collegiate career. Jackson is expected to not only crack the Gators cornerbacks rotation but serve as a key piece for the unit’s future beyond Marshall’s presence in orange and blue.
He has the tools to do it, according to Raymond, and will be one of several receive new additions to the unit to learn from Marshall as a part of his newfound responsibility.
“You know, his high standards and me, I came in the same exact way,” Marshall said when asked about Jackson’s already advanced development despite his age.
“So I know what to do, what not to do and just coaching him and telling him how things work, things like that. He’ll be good.”
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