Strong Bonds Lead Cole Marsh to Iowa Football

In-State Tight End Considered UNI Scholarship Before Becoming Hawkeye PWO

'24 Waverly-Shell Rock (IA) High QB Cole Marsh visiting Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa on Oct. 1, 2022. (Rob Howe/HawkeyeNation.com)

The Waverly-Shell Rock (IA) Community School District regularly produces student-athletes for colleges across the country. It hasn't happened by accident. 

"At Waverly-Shell Rock, the community is very involved with sports," senior Cole Marsh said. "I can’t thank the community enough here because without their support and their help I wouldn’t be where I am today."

Marsh is completing his time at the high school before walking onto the Iowa Football program this summer. 

"It's just like at Iowa. The community all around Iowa loves the school and the athletic program, and I can’t wait to be a part of it all," he said.

Marsh turned down a University of Northern Iowa scholarship offer to accept the Hawkeyes' preferred walk-on opportunity. Iowa State showed interest in him. He also held scholarship offers from Division II programs.

"For me, it was between the scholarship offer at UNI or walking on at Iowa. I chose to walk on at the University of Iowa because I made great relationships with the staff and players over the years. I felt like Iowa is the best place I can develop as a player and a person," he said. 

The Hawkeyes played host to Marsh for recruiting visits throughout the last two years. The campus stops included games and junior days. He received a deep understanding about the program and found it lined up with what he wanted. 

"Some commonalities are that I love to get better. At Iowa, you get better every single day. They are extremely good at the development of players, especially at the tight end position. I love to play tight end," he said. 

Marsh (6-5, 215) stands out as an exceptional athlete. He ranks second on the Go-Hawks basketball team in scoring (16.2 PPG), rebounding (5.5 RPG) and assists (3.2 APG) this winter. He's in the 1,000-point club for his prep career. 

Great pass by @luis_portillo3 pic.twitter.com/p8rUhCSfbA

— Cole Marsh (@ColeMarsh18) December 8, 2023

On the football field, Marsh switched from quarterback to tight end between his junior and senior seasons. He caught 19 passes for 320 yards (16.8 YPC) and eight touchdowns this past fall. On defense, he produced 2.0 tackles for loss, a sack and an interception. 

Marsh doesn't include senior football highlights on his Hudl page. You can witness his athletic ability while he's playing quarterback on his junior film.

Tight end is the most recognizable position at Iowa these days. Its reputation stretches into the NFL, where multiple Hawkeyes are flourishing. Marsh looks forward to joining the legacy. 

"Showing up every single day and get a little bit better every single day is the goal," he said.

Marsh cherishes the academic opportunities at Iowa, too. He's set to major in Business Administration. 

"I love the business field. My dad and two of my sisters went into business and have had great success. Iowa has an amazing business program that can help me succeed in the long run," he said.