ATHENS — Keith Marshall is listed as a junior on Georgia’s roster. But in a lot of ways he’s a senior, and will be treated as one on Saturday.
Marshall will be one of the players honored on Senior Day prior to Saturday night’s game against Georgia Southern, a team spokesman confirmed. It’s another indication the tailback may not return to the team next year, despite having a year of eligibility left.
That’s always been a possibility, as coach Mark Richt said last December – “if he plays next season and feels like it’s time to move on” – and Marshall confirmed in September that this could be his final year.
“I’ll cross that bridge when I get there,” Marshall said at the time.
Participating in senior day doesn’t mean Marshall is definitely leaving. Last year offensive lineman Kolton Houston participated just in case he wasn’t granted a sixth year, but he was and he’ll be honored again this Saturday.
Marshall is eligible for a fifth year after playing in less than four games in 2014 due to a knee injury. This year he’s rushed for 255 yards and three touchdowns in nine games, but didn’t play in Saturday’s win at Auburn because of an ankle injury.
Georgia would certainly welcome Marshall back, but the team is also due to return Nick Chubb (assuming he’s back from his knee surgery), Sony Michel, Brendan Douglas, A.J. Turman and Tae Crowder. And it has secured a commitment from highly-touted recruit Elijah Holyfield and continues to pursue Texas prospect Devwah Whaley.