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Jalin Marshall Flourishing In Jets Wide Receiver Competition

The undrafted rookie out of Ohio State may not have been heavily recruited by NFL teams, but he's making the most of his opportunity.

By David Wyatt-Hupton
Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Jalin Marshall was a player I was excited to see. After being highly recruited to powerhouse Ohio State as a dual-threat quarterback, Marshall worked to transform himself into a full-time wide receiver.

After finishing with 74 receptions for 976 yards and 11 TD's over two years in Ohio, Marshall decided to forego his final two years of eligibility to pursue his dream of becoming a professional. Due to his lack of experience at the position, and a rawness to his game as a result, he went undrafted.

However Marshall has been turning heads all off-season, making a number of very difficult catches look easy. However it's his willingness to learn that has impressed fellow receivers Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker:

"I'm in love with Jalin, it's as simple as that," Brandon Marshall said quite bluntly. "The kid is special. I mean, he's just got it. His mentality, his approach to the game, he's smart, he has skills. So, he's a rookie and he has to work at it and get better and we'll see."

Love Jalin a lot. Not only is he physically gifted, he's going to help us in the receivers' room (and) he's going to help us on special teams, but he's a guy that's hungry for knowledge in the meeting rooms, Eric Decker said. "He's asking questions, he knows his stuff, and being in the league for awhile it's good to see those guys when they're hungry and they want to learn. They ask you questions, that's very important because the craft of a receiver means a lot, so I'm excited about his development and what he's going to do to help us this season."

Jalin has made a fantastic start to the off-season, but he'll need to continue that trend if he wants to break camp with the Jets.

Todd Bowles recently said that the Jets want players who can take on multiple roles. Marshall did have experience in college returning punts. He totalled 662 yards on 52 punts for a 12.7 average to go along with one punt return for a TD. He has less experience returning kicks, but there is no reason to suggest he can't do it.

Last year the Jets decided to carry 5 receivers as a part of their final 53 (initial release). This included Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, Jeremy Kerley, Devin Smith and Quincy Enunwa. Obviously Kerley has departed for the Lions, which opens a space for a player like Marshall. Although he will have competition from the likes of Charone Peake, Kenbrell Thompkins and many others.

Jalin is doing all that he can do to stand out at the moment, and if he maintains his pace...he has to fancy his chances of breaking camp with the Jets.

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