Inside the Iggles
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Byron Marshall Is a Jack Of All Trades

By Matt Giraldi

Sep 5, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles defensive back Rashad Wadood (21) defends against Oregon Ducks wide receiver Byron Marshall (9) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles defensive back Rashad Wadood (21) defends against Oregon Ducks wide receiver Byron Marshall (9) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Byron Marshall (9) scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Byron Marshall (9) scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Marshall’s limited contributions against Michigan State also included a kickoff return that nearly made the highlight reel for a bevy of reasons. Once again, his athleticism, field-vision, and speed were on display. It’s this type of ability that the Eagles desperately need from their kickoff return man.

If you thought I was drunk when I referred to the possibility of Marshall being the next Brian Westbrook, you certainly wouldn’t be far from the truth. While I might be suffering from the same mind-set as an inebriated fan, I truly believe that Marshall’s upside rivals Westbrook’s role in the Andy Reid-led Eagles offense. The fact that the missed tackles were coming at such a high volume merely indicates that he represents the dynamic playmaker the Eagles have been longing for spanning over a decade.

Perhaps the missed tackles, elusiveness, catching ability, nor breakaway speed impress without seeing them all translated on the professional field. That’s an acceptable standard to keep. However, Marshall has the distinct possibility of not only skipping the practice squad his rookie season, but threatening for a roster spot. If I were Darren Sproles or Kenjon Barner, I’d keep my head on a swivel this upcoming preseason. The fear won’t be from an oncoming defender, but rather a scatback from the University of Oregon that offers the same, if not more, upside than either player in the 2016 season.

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