This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Junior running back Robert Marshall has been out for the past 10 days with a sprained shoulder. He's making progress, and has said that he wants to be back for USU's season-opener against Southern Utah, but he isn't back yet.
"We definitely want him healthy and in the mix," Gary Andersen said on Tuesday following practice. "He's getting close, but he isn't quite there yet."
Marshall has some importance. He has experience, and he could very well be the third back in the rotation. He is also a big back, which is significant because Kerwynn Williams and Joe Hill are both smaller backs.
Marshall has made improvements since the day he first stepped onto campus, when he was more of a fullback. He remains a standout blocker, but in the spread offense he won't see as many opportunities there. Also, Williams will be used all over the place, so the second and third guy will likely see multiple carries in a game.
Tony Jones