Marshall was featured in the June/July issue of the Sooner Spectator magazine. Here's a transcript of the article!
He was also feature in a few articles in a recent issue of Sooner Illustrated. Those will be up soon!
Boomer Bio: Marshall Musil
An Inside Look At Fullback's Fortunes
By John E. Hoover
Sooner Spectator
Marshall Musil was all smiles after his big debut at the annual Red-White Game back in April. And why not?
“That felt good,” Musil said, his bruises and scratches still glowing after he ran 29 times for 92 yards in the rain at the end of spring practice.
It was the kind of performance Sooner fans will remember years from now just because, other than a few big passes, he was the only offensive weapon the coaches were willing to use.
Still, the affable Musil seized the opportunity and enjoyed the day. After a year spent in redshirt, he was just ready to play.
The last time he did, way back in 2008, he was a high school senior, rushing for 1,271 yards and 21 touchdowns on 110 carries. And catching 27 passes for 465 yards and six touchdowns. And making 92 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions on defense.
That was the kind of workload Musil became used to at LaCrosse (Kan.) High School. And it’s the kind of workload he missed on Saturdays last season, when he was a workhorse for the scout team offense.
“Marshall is a really good player,” coach Bob Stoops said. “We’ve known that, going against us last year on scout team. We like the way he runs, the way he blocks. He’s a bigger guy (6-foot, 220 pound). He’s going to do a lot for us in different ways. He’s a talented guy. He’s strong. He’s physical. He catches the ball well. He protects, and he runs the ball well. I just like guys that are versatile that way, and that can play special teams.”
In Kevin Wilson’s break-neck offense, Musil wants to be versatile and valuable. Substituting only slows things down, and if he can stay on the field as a blocker, as a receiver and maybe sometimes as a runner, all the better.
“I like to be able to do more than one thing,” Musil said. “It makes me feel more useful, I guess.”
Twenty-nine carries in the spring game is pretty useful, even if he did average just 3.2 yards per carry — even if he finished with a 45-yard burst late in the game.
“Well, I was waiting for that one,” Musil said. “I was hoping it would be closer to the goal line because if it was on the opposite 20 yard line then I knew someone was going to catch me. And sure enough, they did.”
Afterward, as Sooner fans took shelter from the drizzle, Musil shared an enduring personal moment with family they’ll never forget, whether his football career evolves into that of a blocker, a runner, a receiver, a tackler — or even just a career spring scrimmage and scout team star.
“I think I made my mom proud, that’s for sure,” he said with a laugh. “She was really happy after the game. She gave me a big hug.”
It was at that moment that Musil and his mom, Connie Weber, thought back to his dad, Terry Musil. Terry, a one-time football coach, tragically lost his battle with cancer when Marshall was little, and his mom raised Marshall and his sister by herself.
“She was a single parent for 10 years,” Musil said. “That takes a lot of sacrifice.”
Last year, Musil’s mom, his sister and his stepfather, Tim Weber, drove almost five hours to Norman each Saturday to watch him stretch, warm up and stand on the sideline. Maybe this year, their drives will have a greater reward.
“I’ve gotten all the plays down,” Musil said. “I know where to go. It’s just being able to stay on my track and trust the offense of Coach Wilson, trust the fullback position, trust the concepts that he has for me.”
Musil said he can’t be the next Matt Clapp — “I don’t really have the hair. I guess not many people do,” he joked — but is starting to warm up to his expected role as an effective blocker.
But will he ever love it like Clapp, J.D. Runnels and other OU fullbacks have in the past?
“Eh, I don’t know. Love’s a strong word,” he said. “I don’t know. Maybe not love. But I’m liking it a lot more now that I’m getting the technique down.”
And if he doesn’t become the world’s greatest blocker? Maybe he can run the football like he did in high school — like he did that melancholy, rainy Saturday at Owen Field. OK, maybe not.
“It felt good to run the ball again, don’t get me wrong,” he said. “But it’s a whole new game. They’re a lot bigger here, a lot faster.”
(Editor's Note: This story appears in Sooner Spectator's 2010 Football Preview Issue that is due out in stores on June 18. To read more or subscribe, call 1-405-488-0242)
That's our Sooner :)
Monday, June 21, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Not Just A Player, A "Type"
As many of you surely know, there has been much debate lately about the future of the Big 12 as a conference in college sports. Luckily, at this point it appears that OU will continue to stay a part of our Midwest conference and we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief! There were many Musil family members/friends that were worried about trips to faraway lands such as California and Oregon!
In the process of this week-long debate, there were numerous articles posted on Rivals.com. One of these articles mentioned Marshall. As you read you'll see how. :)
OU Coaches Would Embrace Move to the Pac-10
Publish date: JUNE 10
With Oklahoma's football camps going on the last six days, it's been awfully busy around here. But clearly we haven't been as busy as Joe Castiglione, DeLoss Dodds and Pac-10 Conference Commissioner Larry Scott or Nebraska's Tom Osborne.
The crazy thing about all of this is that while trying to shoot video and take pictures and just watch some of the best recruits in the region the last few days, I've had plenty of coaches come up to me and ask what was going on in conference realignment scenarios.
Will the Sooners still be playing in College Station in the year's to come?
I've also had a chance to get a lot of opinions on the matter.
The one thing I can tell you about the mood of the OU coaching staff, is that they are overwhelmingly in favor of a move to the Pac-10 Conference. They all seem to be excited about it.
It was brought up to me that OU has always wanted to recruit California more heavily, that Arizona is a state that has given them several players over the years and they would love a chance to cultivate those relationships even further.
But that doesn't mean they are going to abandon Texas. In fact, they like the scenario of Oklahoma moving with Texas, Texas A&M and Texas Tech to the Pac-10 Conference.
Why? Because they can maintain their roots in Texas, but they can also extend out west and be a real player for recruits in California.
Missouri and Kansas have been fertile recruiting grounds for Oklahoma over the years. I don't think Oklahoma will totally abandon the state of Kansas because they still have great connections up there.
And to be honest, Oklahoma will probably be the most attractive destination for those types of players. Who knows where Kansas, Kansas State and Missouri will end up? If they are not in BCS conferences, OU will have a decided advantage over those teams in recruiting.
But if you can go to California or Arizona for your Brody Eldridges and your Marshall Musils, you can now go to California, or Arizona, or just back to Kansas.
The other good thing about a Pac-10 merger is that the conference fits Oklahoma's style of play. California kids have been wanting to throw and catch the football since John Elway became a legend and Bill Walsh invented the West Coast Offense.
Oklahoma can continue playing the type of offensive football Bob Stoops, Kevin Wilson and Josh Heupel want to play.
No one has told the staff as of this morning that Oklahoma is definitely headed to the Pac-10 Conference. Joe Castiglione's comments to Dave Sittler of the Tulsa World certainly paint a grave picture for the future of the Big 12.
"It feels like somebody died," Castiglione told the World after reports surfaced that Nebraska was leaving for the Big 10. ""It's that emotional for so many people who put so much into creating the Big 12."
Castiglione is still putting on a brave front. He's not one to tip his hand before the cards have all been dealt.
This is the same guy who keeps all of his hirings top secret, the same guy who shocked every media member in the state when Bob Stoops was announced as head coach. The same guy who hired Jeff Capel when no one had mentioned his name as a possible candidate.
It's just in Castiglione's nature to surround himself with people who value the bond of silence.
And it's in his nature to not speak on things regarding The University of Oklahoma until they happen.
As of this afternoon, there have been no meetings between the athletics department and the Oklahoma football coaching staff. But that doesn't mean OU isn't working hard to make sure they end up in the best possible situation.
OU has had talks with the SEC, but as we've stated numerous times, the Sooners are best served to remain in business with Texas. Castiglione confirmed that philosophy to the Tulsa World late last night.
"I think it would be a horrendous decision for OU and Texas to break up," Castiglione said. "We're going to stick together if it's at all possible."
There are still a few wrinkles to be ironed out before OU and Texas make their move. Even though Castiglione isn't completely giving up the Big 12, others already are leaving.
The Pac-10 Conference announced today that Colorado was leaving the Big 12 and joining their league.
"This is an historic moment for the Conference, as the Pac-10 is poised for tremendous growth. The University of Colorado is a great fit for the Conference both academically and athletically and we are incredibly excited to welcome Colorado to the Pac-10," said Commissioner Larry Scott in a statement released by the conference.
So OU and Texas are joined together. The only question now remains whether A&M is ready for the switch.
Reports say officials from Texas and Texas A&M are meeting to discuss their futures and whether both institutions are ready for a move as well.
If A&M is ready for the move, Oklahoma will be ready as well.
The move to the Pac-10 is ready to move forward.
And that's just fine with members of the Oklahoma football coaching staff.
Yes, his name was only mentioned once, but to be considered a type of player coaches are looking for AND to be mentioned in the same sentence as Brody Eldridge is quite an honor!
In the process of this week-long debate, there were numerous articles posted on Rivals.com. One of these articles mentioned Marshall. As you read you'll see how. :)
OU Coaches Would Embrace Move to the Pac-10
Publish date: JUNE 10
With Oklahoma's football camps going on the last six days, it's been awfully busy around here. But clearly we haven't been as busy as Joe Castiglione, DeLoss Dodds and Pac-10 Conference Commissioner Larry Scott or Nebraska's Tom Osborne.
The crazy thing about all of this is that while trying to shoot video and take pictures and just watch some of the best recruits in the region the last few days, I've had plenty of coaches come up to me and ask what was going on in conference realignment scenarios.
Will the Sooners still be playing in College Station in the year's to come?
I've also had a chance to get a lot of opinions on the matter.
The one thing I can tell you about the mood of the OU coaching staff, is that they are overwhelmingly in favor of a move to the Pac-10 Conference. They all seem to be excited about it.
It was brought up to me that OU has always wanted to recruit California more heavily, that Arizona is a state that has given them several players over the years and they would love a chance to cultivate those relationships even further.
But that doesn't mean they are going to abandon Texas. In fact, they like the scenario of Oklahoma moving with Texas, Texas A&M and Texas Tech to the Pac-10 Conference.
Why? Because they can maintain their roots in Texas, but they can also extend out west and be a real player for recruits in California.
Missouri and Kansas have been fertile recruiting grounds for Oklahoma over the years. I don't think Oklahoma will totally abandon the state of Kansas because they still have great connections up there.
And to be honest, Oklahoma will probably be the most attractive destination for those types of players. Who knows where Kansas, Kansas State and Missouri will end up? If they are not in BCS conferences, OU will have a decided advantage over those teams in recruiting.
But if you can go to California or Arizona for your Brody Eldridges and your Marshall Musils, you can now go to California, or Arizona, or just back to Kansas.
The other good thing about a Pac-10 merger is that the conference fits Oklahoma's style of play. California kids have been wanting to throw and catch the football since John Elway became a legend and Bill Walsh invented the West Coast Offense.
Oklahoma can continue playing the type of offensive football Bob Stoops, Kevin Wilson and Josh Heupel want to play.
No one has told the staff as of this morning that Oklahoma is definitely headed to the Pac-10 Conference. Joe Castiglione's comments to Dave Sittler of the Tulsa World certainly paint a grave picture for the future of the Big 12.
"It feels like somebody died," Castiglione told the World after reports surfaced that Nebraska was leaving for the Big 10. ""It's that emotional for so many people who put so much into creating the Big 12."
Castiglione is still putting on a brave front. He's not one to tip his hand before the cards have all been dealt.
This is the same guy who keeps all of his hirings top secret, the same guy who shocked every media member in the state when Bob Stoops was announced as head coach. The same guy who hired Jeff Capel when no one had mentioned his name as a possible candidate.
It's just in Castiglione's nature to surround himself with people who value the bond of silence.
And it's in his nature to not speak on things regarding The University of Oklahoma until they happen.
As of this afternoon, there have been no meetings between the athletics department and the Oklahoma football coaching staff. But that doesn't mean OU isn't working hard to make sure they end up in the best possible situation.
OU has had talks with the SEC, but as we've stated numerous times, the Sooners are best served to remain in business with Texas. Castiglione confirmed that philosophy to the Tulsa World late last night.
"I think it would be a horrendous decision for OU and Texas to break up," Castiglione said. "We're going to stick together if it's at all possible."
There are still a few wrinkles to be ironed out before OU and Texas make their move. Even though Castiglione isn't completely giving up the Big 12, others already are leaving.
The Pac-10 Conference announced today that Colorado was leaving the Big 12 and joining their league.
"This is an historic moment for the Conference, as the Pac-10 is poised for tremendous growth. The University of Colorado is a great fit for the Conference both academically and athletically and we are incredibly excited to welcome Colorado to the Pac-10," said Commissioner Larry Scott in a statement released by the conference.
So OU and Texas are joined together. The only question now remains whether A&M is ready for the switch.
Reports say officials from Texas and Texas A&M are meeting to discuss their futures and whether both institutions are ready for a move as well.
If A&M is ready for the move, Oklahoma will be ready as well.
The move to the Pac-10 is ready to move forward.
And that's just fine with members of the Oklahoma football coaching staff.
Yes, his name was only mentioned once, but to be considered a type of player coaches are looking for AND to be mentioned in the same sentence as Brody Eldridge is quite an honor!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Spring Game = Success!
The 2010 Spring Game is officially over and what a day! From the rainy, dreary weather to the outstanding performances on the field. Due to injuries on the team, our Sooner was the highlight of the day, starring at tailback, kick-off return, and kick-off.
Marshall had a whooping 29 carries for 92 yards. It's hard to put into words how great it was to see him doing what he does best. Doing what he's always done. And doing it well. As you'll see in the articles below, his teammates and coaches all had good things to say about him.
But no one was more proud of him Saturday than his family.
Norman Transcript
The Oklahoman
Tulsa World
Tulsa World - Monday
Highlights
Rivals Article:
April 18, 2010
SoonerScoop.com Staff
Marshall Musil Becomes the Red & White Ironman
Marshall Musil, for two yards, Marshall Musil on the carry for a four-yard gain... That was a recurring refrain from the public address announcer during Saturday's Red & White Game in Norman. Because star running back Demarco Murray was being held out, and because Jermie Calhoun was out with an ankle sprain, Musil became the main ball carrier for the White offense. Musil was grinding out yardage until he finally popped a 45-yard run late in the scrimmage.
Associated Press
Musil finished the Red & White Game with 39 carries for 96 yards
Q: Marshall, how does it feel to have a spring game like the one you just had?
Marshall Musil: It felt good. I think I made my mom proud that's for sure (laughing). She was really happy after the game, she gave me a big hug.
Q: Landry Jones called you the x-factor today.
Musil: I don't know about that (laughing). I only had one carry over seven yards, the rest were under.
Q: Was it one of those things where you always knew you had this talent, you've just been waiting for the opportunity?
Musil: Yeah, I've been running the ball since the fourth grade, I mean since contact football I've been a runner. So I know what I can do, it's just transferring it to bigger and faster guys like the ones at this level.
Q: Did you know they were going to run the wheels off you before the game started, or was it one of those things where they just kept feeding you the ball because of the success?
Musil: I didn't know how many carries I was going to get really. I was told to just go in there and whatever happens, happens.
Q: You kept pounding and pounding all day and finally broke one, how did that feel?
Musil: Well I was waiting for that one. I was hoping it would be closer to the goal line because if it was on the opposite 20-yardline then I knew someone was going to catch me. And sure enough they did.
Q: You came in here as a tremendous running back out of high school knowing that you had to make the transition to fullback. Talk about the blocking assignments and the things that you've tried to pick up, and how that's coming along for you.
Musil: Well I've gotten all of the plays down. I know where to go. It's just being able to stay on my track and trust the offense that Coach Wilson has, and trust the fullback position and the concepts he has for me.
Q: Coach Wilson said that once you get the blocking part of the position down, then you could be a versatile aspect to this offense.
Musil: That's what Coach Wilson talks to me about all the time. He wants me to be able to do a whole lot of different things so I can stay out in the field and that way we don't have to change personnel as much.
Q: So have you gotten to the point where you love blocking yet?
Musil: I don't know, love is a strong word. Maybe not love, but I like it a lot more now that I'm getting more of the technique down. Technique helps a lot I've figured out. I didn't have a lot of that in high school.
Q: It seems like versatile guys really become useful in this offense, whether it's a Matt Clapp or others. Do you like the idea of playing different positions, fulfilling different needs for different things they could use you for?
Musil: Yeah I do. I like to be able to do more than one thing, it makes me feel more useful I guess. If we're talking about Matt Clapp then I guess I'm out because I don't really have the hair (laughing). I guess not many people do though. I'm trying but this is about as long as it gets.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Many Apologies
To my faithful followers: Sorry for being so late with this next post! Due to the lateness of the hour I'm only going to update you on the last practice (Thursday, April 15th) before the Spring Game. Recently, Marshall has been playing tailback in practice so he hasn't been featured in any TE/FB drills if you've been following Soonersports.com.
Today, during the Oklahoma Drill, he got lots of time running the ball! How fun to see our Marshall doing what he does best!
Oklahoma Drill #1
Oklahoma Drill #2
Oklahoma Drill #3
Last Saturday was the team's 2nd scrimmage. Marshall played tailback at this scrimmage, instead of fullback.
This Saturday is the big day, Spring Game 2010! Mom and Tim will be making the journey to Norman for the weekend to help me cheer on our Sooner. There are many other family members that wish they could also be here, but due to prom and 1st Communion it was just a busy weekend back in good ol' Kansas!
Here's to a fun-filled weekend of football and safe drive to all those visiting Norman this weekend!
BOOMER SOONER.
Today, during the Oklahoma Drill, he got lots of time running the ball! How fun to see our Marshall doing what he does best!
Oklahoma Drill #1
Oklahoma Drill #2
Oklahoma Drill #3
Last Saturday was the team's 2nd scrimmage. Marshall played tailback at this scrimmage, instead of fullback.
This Saturday is the big day, Spring Game 2010! Mom and Tim will be making the journey to Norman for the weekend to help me cheer on our Sooner. There are many other family members that wish they could also be here, but due to prom and 1st Communion it was just a busy weekend back in good ol' Kansas!
Here's to a fun-filled weekend of football and safe drive to all those visiting Norman this weekend!
BOOMER SOONER.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
April Fool's
Last week the Sooners' Thursday practice fell on April 1st. And Soonersports.com pulled an April Fools joke of their own by bypassing the football practice and heading to San Antonio to follow the Women's Basketball Team in the NCAA Tournament. So, unfortunately, there are no updates from last Thursday.
April 6th the Sooners resumed practice after a couple days off for Easter. As of the 6th there are only 2 weeks left in Spring Ball. Soonersports.com was back in Norman to follow the football team. Here are the links to a few videos from practice. These videos are of the Oklahoma Drill.
Oklahoma Drill #1
There's no sound on the next 2 videos.
Oklahoma Drill #2
Oklahoma Drill #3
Practice resumes on Thursday, so look back for updates then! Also, there will be another scrimmage on Saturday the 10th.
April 6th the Sooners resumed practice after a couple days off for Easter. As of the 6th there are only 2 weeks left in Spring Ball. Soonersports.com was back in Norman to follow the football team. Here are the links to a few videos from practice. These videos are of the Oklahoma Drill.
Oklahoma Drill #1
There's no sound on the next 2 videos.
Oklahoma Drill #2
Oklahoma Drill #3
Practice resumes on Thursday, so look back for updates then! Also, there will be another scrimmage on Saturday the 10th.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Out Like a Lion
When I lived in Kansas and the wind blew 50mph I used to say, "Dang Kansas wind!" Turns out that same phrase can be used in Oklahoma, just change the state.
The Sooners suited up for the first practice of the week today. It was a gorgeous, WARM day, besides the wind. The TEs and FBs were featured in one video on Soonersports.com. It's the same drill that was posted a few days ago, but trust me, it's not the same video! Check out our Sooner working on his blocking!
Go Marshall!
One more practice to go!
In preparation for Easter:
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die" John 11:25-26
The Sooners suited up for the first practice of the week today. It was a gorgeous, WARM day, besides the wind. The TEs and FBs were featured in one video on Soonersports.com. It's the same drill that was posted a few days ago, but trust me, it's not the same video! Check out our Sooner working on his blocking!
Go Marshall!
One more practice to go!
In preparation for Easter:
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die" John 11:25-26
Monday, March 29, 2010
Gotta Play Catch Up
My apologies for being so late on this post. Due to sickness, I was not up to doing any blogging the past couple days, but here's to a new week and new football news. Last Friday (March 26th) marked the last practice in full pads for the Sooners that week. The TEs and FBs were featured in 2 videos that day! Links below:
Video #1
Video #2
The Sooners suited up for a windy scrimmage on the morning of Saturday, March 27th. This was Marshall's first scrimmage during Spring Ball. From the fan and sister's perspective it was another one of those "ohmygoshIcan'tbeliveI'mherewatchingthis" moments.
Check out some funny footwork...or warm-ups with Schmidty here:
Warm-up
And here's the highlights from the scrimmage. Because of the angle it's hard to see when Marshall is even in the play! But to get an idea of what the scrimmage was like, take a look!
Also, if you see the tiny people in the stands behind the players, one of those cold, little dots is me...freezing. Brrrrr!
Scrimmage
This week the Sooners only have 2 full practices and the entire weekend off for Easter (and to celebrate my birthday!!) ;)
Check back for updates this week!
***Did you know??
It takes 3,000 cows to supply the NFL with enough leather for a year's supply of footballs.
Video #1
Video #2
The Sooners suited up for a windy scrimmage on the morning of Saturday, March 27th. This was Marshall's first scrimmage during Spring Ball. From the fan and sister's perspective it was another one of those "ohmygoshIcan'tbeliveI'mherewatchingthis" moments.
Check out some funny footwork...or warm-ups with Schmidty here:
Warm-up
And here's the highlights from the scrimmage. Because of the angle it's hard to see when Marshall is even in the play! But to get an idea of what the scrimmage was like, take a look!
Also, if you see the tiny people in the stands behind the players, one of those cold, little dots is me...freezing. Brrrrr!
Scrimmage
This week the Sooners only have 2 full practices and the entire weekend off for Easter (and to celebrate my birthday!!) ;)
Check back for updates this week!
***Did you know??
It takes 3,000 cows to supply the NFL with enough leather for a year's supply of footballs.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Springing Back
While March is still debating on whether it shall end like a lion or a lamb, the Sooners are back from Spring Break and on the field for their first outdoor practice. Monday, after the snow cleared, the Sooners were in full pads and ready for some contact.
Soonersports.com again featured some videos of the practice. Marshall is featured in the one titled: "Wilson Drills TEs on Blocking" Just click the word "video" below and it will take you right to the website!
VIDEO
In April: The Spring Game will take place on April 17th at 2:00. Tickets are available for $5 each through the end of the day on Tuesday, April 13. After April 13, tickets will be $10 each.
AND, for those wondering what a Sooner does on Spring Break. Here's your answer:
Soonersports.com again featured some videos of the practice. Marshall is featured in the one titled: "Wilson Drills TEs on Blocking" Just click the word "video" below and it will take you right to the website!
VIDEO
In April: The Spring Game will take place on April 17th at 2:00. Tickets are available for $5 each through the end of the day on Tuesday, April 13. After April 13, tickets will be $10 each.
AND, for those wondering what a Sooner does on Spring Break. Here's your answer:
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Just Keep Blocking
The last practice before Spring Break concluded today and even though they've just started, I think the boys are ready for a week at home! But Marshall ended his first week of Spring Ball on a high note and was featured in one of the videos on Soonersports.com. I'm adding the link to the website.
The video can be found underneath the calendar in the middle of the page. Look for the date 3/10. It will be the video labeled "Coach Gundy, Running Backs"
The video features the running backs, quarterbacks, and fullbacks. Marshall is blocking!
Enjoy!
VIDEO
The video can be found underneath the calendar in the middle of the page. Look for the date 3/10. It will be the video labeled "Coach Gundy, Running Backs"
The video features the running backs, quarterbacks, and fullbacks. Marshall is blocking!
Enjoy!
VIDEO
Monday, March 8, 2010
Greetings Football Followers!
The Football Freelancer is BACK!
I realize that, in fact, the beginning of football season doesn't officially kick off for 6 long months. However, now that Marshall is a college football player, we are without track season to distract us in the spring. But we DO have an interesting 2 months known as Spring Football. It was the anticipation for Spring Football, and a new article on Rivals.com, that prompted the Football Freelancer to once again dig for that all-important gridiron news and send it your way.
Instead of posting the link to the Rivals.com article, I'll be copying and pasting it here. Since Rivals.com is a paid site I'm not sure everyone would see the actual article and picture.
Lately, Oklahoma's Rivals has been counting down the top 20 players to watch in the spring, starting with #20 and counting up to #1. Marshall is this spring's # 13!
March 8, 2010
Spring Watch: No. 13 Marshall Musil
Carey Murdock
SoonerScoop.com Editor
During Oklahoma's spring football practices coming up next month, there will be plenty of veterans like Demarco Murray and Jeremy Beal who won't have a lot to prove. For them, spring practices might be a bit repetitive or even mundane at times.
But for some of the younger players on the Oklahoma roster, spring football will be a chance to springboard their way into star status next season. SoonerScoop.com Editor Carey Murdock takes a look at which players will need to have key springs in order to become an even bigger factor for the Sooners next fall.
No. 13
Marshall Musil
Position: Fullback
Class: Redshirt Freshman
Size: 6-2, 218
La Crosse (KS) La Crosse HS
2009 Season: Redshirted.
Why he makes the list: The Sooners head into 2010 looking to re-establish the fullback position after injuries and a shift in offensive philosophy derailed the use of the fullback in 2009. The most likely candidate to bring the fullback position back from life support is Musil.
Musil's background fits the blueprint for Kevin Wilson to find a capable blocker. The small-town Kansas prospect was offered almost immediately two years ago after showing up and working out sans pads during an OU summer camp. Wilson tabbed him as his fullback of the future before he even played a down as a senior in high school.
Since arriving at Oklahoma, Musil has continued to impress Sooner coaches and he will battle former linebacker Brandon Crow for the starting fullback job in spring practices.
Best case scenario: Musil comes out of the spring as the next great fullback prospect. It's a pretty open and shut case if he proves he can be a solid lead blocker for Demarco Murray and others. He'll have every opportunity to make that happen and more.
Musil was recruited because of his athleticism and Oklahoma likes to throw the football to the fullback out of the backfield. If he has a great spring, he'll prove he can do just that.
Reynolds can fit in as the triple threat, who can get behind defenses focused on containing Broyles and taking away Miller across the middle of the field. That's truly how he can most effectively affect the passing game in 2010.
Questions to be answered: Is Musil ready to be dominating as a blocker taking on linebackers and creating seams in the running game? Can he be a consistent and dependable receiver out of the backfield when Landry Jones needs an outlet in short-yardage situations.
Crow comes into spring camp with Kevin Wilson's eye as a lead blocker, but he's not considered an accomplished receiver. Musil should have an edge on Crow in that respect. But he still has to prove it.
Best guess: Musil doesn't completely nail down the starting spot coming out of the spring. Part of that is due to the fact Oklahoma just doesn't do a lot in the running game during spring practices. But there should be enough tape gathered during inside drills to help Wilson determine if Musil is ready to be that dominant lead blocker.
I think Brandon Crow comes out of the spring as a viable option. He's already a grizzled veteran and he understands how physical players have to be at this level.
Musil will have to amp up his intensity even further into the fall to prove he is the best option at the position. In the end, I think Musil becomes the guy in 2010 because of his overall athletic ability.
But coming out of the spring, I'm not sure the OU coaches will be ready to go back to the fullback quite yet. The days of J.D. Runnels being the standard bearer at the position will still be around for at least another year.
Keep checking back for more Spring Football updates!!
We love our Sooner <3
I realize that, in fact, the beginning of football season doesn't officially kick off for 6 long months. However, now that Marshall is a college football player, we are without track season to distract us in the spring. But we DO have an interesting 2 months known as Spring Football. It was the anticipation for Spring Football, and a new article on Rivals.com, that prompted the Football Freelancer to once again dig for that all-important gridiron news and send it your way.
Instead of posting the link to the Rivals.com article, I'll be copying and pasting it here. Since Rivals.com is a paid site I'm not sure everyone would see the actual article and picture.
Lately, Oklahoma's Rivals has been counting down the top 20 players to watch in the spring, starting with #20 and counting up to #1. Marshall is this spring's # 13!
March 8, 2010
Spring Watch: No. 13 Marshall Musil
Carey Murdock
SoonerScoop.com Editor
During Oklahoma's spring football practices coming up next month, there will be plenty of veterans like Demarco Murray and Jeremy Beal who won't have a lot to prove. For them, spring practices might be a bit repetitive or even mundane at times.
But for some of the younger players on the Oklahoma roster, spring football will be a chance to springboard their way into star status next season. SoonerScoop.com Editor Carey Murdock takes a look at which players will need to have key springs in order to become an even bigger factor for the Sooners next fall.
No. 13
Marshall Musil
Position: Fullback
Class: Redshirt Freshman
Size: 6-2, 218
La Crosse (KS) La Crosse HS
2009 Season: Redshirted.
Why he makes the list: The Sooners head into 2010 looking to re-establish the fullback position after injuries and a shift in offensive philosophy derailed the use of the fullback in 2009. The most likely candidate to bring the fullback position back from life support is Musil.
Musil's background fits the blueprint for Kevin Wilson to find a capable blocker. The small-town Kansas prospect was offered almost immediately two years ago after showing up and working out sans pads during an OU summer camp. Wilson tabbed him as his fullback of the future before he even played a down as a senior in high school.
Since arriving at Oklahoma, Musil has continued to impress Sooner coaches and he will battle former linebacker Brandon Crow for the starting fullback job in spring practices.
Best case scenario: Musil comes out of the spring as the next great fullback prospect. It's a pretty open and shut case if he proves he can be a solid lead blocker for Demarco Murray and others. He'll have every opportunity to make that happen and more.
Musil was recruited because of his athleticism and Oklahoma likes to throw the football to the fullback out of the backfield. If he has a great spring, he'll prove he can do just that.
Reynolds can fit in as the triple threat, who can get behind defenses focused on containing Broyles and taking away Miller across the middle of the field. That's truly how he can most effectively affect the passing game in 2010.
Questions to be answered: Is Musil ready to be dominating as a blocker taking on linebackers and creating seams in the running game? Can he be a consistent and dependable receiver out of the backfield when Landry Jones needs an outlet in short-yardage situations.
Crow comes into spring camp with Kevin Wilson's eye as a lead blocker, but he's not considered an accomplished receiver. Musil should have an edge on Crow in that respect. But he still has to prove it.
Best guess: Musil doesn't completely nail down the starting spot coming out of the spring. Part of that is due to the fact Oklahoma just doesn't do a lot in the running game during spring practices. But there should be enough tape gathered during inside drills to help Wilson determine if Musil is ready to be that dominant lead blocker.
I think Brandon Crow comes out of the spring as a viable option. He's already a grizzled veteran and he understands how physical players have to be at this level.
Musil will have to amp up his intensity even further into the fall to prove he is the best option at the position. In the end, I think Musil becomes the guy in 2010 because of his overall athletic ability.
But coming out of the spring, I'm not sure the OU coaches will be ready to go back to the fullback quite yet. The days of J.D. Runnels being the standard bearer at the position will still be around for at least another year.
Keep checking back for more Spring Football updates!!
We love our Sooner <3
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