There’s plenty to criticize on the Gators’ defense in 2024, but Jason Marshall’s play has been one of the very bright spots through four games. It’s a ‘contract year’ for the senior cornerback, who returned for his final season of eligibility after not performing up to his expectations in 2023. Through five weeks of the season, Marshall grades as college football’s No.1 cornerback in single coverage, according to Pro Football Focus.
Marshall has allowed just five receptions for 42 yards on 10 targets. 41 one those yards were after the catch, indicating that Marshall has only allowed receptions on underneath routes or screens. Teams have tried testing the 6’0, 201-pound corner down the field as his average depth of target is 10.3, but not a single team has succeeded.
“I feel like I’m playing much better,” Marshall said on his 2024 season. “It’s just always having that confidence, going out, reading my keys, read what I need to read, and just going out there and playing football at the end of the day, being comfortable in my skin and playing football.”
Marshall has forced an incompletion on 30% of his passes thrown his way this season (10), the highest percentage on the Gators. His coverage grade of 77.5 ranks 2nd on the Gators behind Dijon Johnson (77.8). Marshall also ranks second in NFL passing rating against, holding opposing QBs to an average passer rating of 61.2, the second lowest in the Gators’ secondary (Dijon Johnson).
Both Marshall and Johnson rank inside the top 40 across college football in coverage, according to PFF.
It may seem like Marshall has had a quiet season because he’s yet to log an interception and ranks 14th on the team in tackles, but when opposing teams are not willing to throw at you down the field, it becomes much harder to fill up the stat sheet. Marshall hasn’t even been able to get an interception in practice because quarterback Graham Mertz can’t throw his way.
“He’s been locking it down. That’s one thing where he probably hasn’t got it because I really haven’t thrown at him in one-on-one,” Mertz said on Marshall. “He’s done a fantastic job. I think he’s one guy that you look at the defense, he’s consistent. He makes plays. Guys look up to him every single day. I think the biggest thing with him is his consistency. That’s what guys respect him for. It inspires other guys to be consistent. He’s done a fantastic job. He’s a baller, man.”
Marshall has allowed no touchdowns and has two pass deflections.
It’s not just elite coverage either, Marshall has missed just one tackle for a missed tackle percentage of 8.3% and has graded out well in run defense, forcing one fumble. Marshall’s defensive grade of 77.4 is the highest in the Gators secondary and ranks 35th in the country among cornerbacks.
“I feel good. At the end of the day, there’s always still something to be corrected, something to be worked on. I’m not settling here, still more work to be done,” Marshall said.
Marshall was vocal about losing his confidence last season, but he’s playing the best football he’s played in his career in 2024. The addition of secondary coach Will Harris has helped Marshall play more freely and not overthink anything.
“I’ve been playing football since I was five. Why not go out there and have fun at the end of the day,” Marshall said.
Marshall returned in 2024 to raise his draft stock, and he’s certainly done that to this point. Florida football has had an NFL draft pick in every draft since 1967, one of just three schools to accomplish this feat. The Gators shouldn’t have to worry about this streak continuing, as Jason Marshall is playing at a very high level.