Marshall Finds The Right Fit At Kent State

WOOSTER - Brady Marshall has been around baseball his whole life. A father who has been a high school coach for more than 20 years and an older brother who is currently playing in college have been influential in his love for the game.

A commitment to Kent State has the Orrville junior anticipating more great times on the ball diamond.

“I’m looking forward to just having fun with all the guys, playing baseball and getting an education,” explained the 31st-rated 2024 in Ohio.

An opportunity to play just 40 minutes from home became official while the 16-year-old was playing at the Future Games less than a month ago.

“I went to a camp there in January and I’ve been talking to them every week or two,” Marshall said about Kent State. “They offered me after my second game at the Future Games.”

The Mid-American Conference power saw a lot to appreciate about Marshall.

“They love my energy and how I play,” Marshall related. “My hustling and doing all the little things right.”

That comes in part from his upbringing right at home.

“Baseball is big in my family,” Marshall said. “My dad has been the high school coach for 17 years at Orrville and at Pittman five years before that. My brother’s playing in college at Ohio Dominican. It’s been a big goal of mine since I started playing.

“From a young age I’ve gotten into it. My dad got me into working to become better since I was old enough to walk and I’ve built on that ever since.”

A shortstop in his early days in the game, Marshall is now a catcher, a position his father played, while also showing next-level ability in the infield.

“Kent is very interested in me as a catcher and elsewhere,” Marshall noted.

An improved game has proven beneficial in making college baseball a reality for the 5-10 150-pounder.

“I’ve been working out since sixth grade, working on hitting with my brother and dad,” Marshall explained. “Since my dad is a coach, there’s a multi-purpose building I’m able to work out in to get stronger with my throwing and fielding.”

More help has come along the way once the recruiting process started.

“My summer coaches got me on a lot of school’s radars and pushed for me hard with Kent,” Marshall said. “For me, recruitment was a good experience, stress free. I just showed off what I can do. PBR was constantly getting me press and getting my name out there to schools.”

Bowling Green and Ohio University were others under consideration by Marshall, before deciding on Kent State as the right fit.

“The program is really good and the facilities are really nice,” Marshall said of his decision to make Kent his college choice. “I feel at home there. The campus is really nice, it’s just a place I see myself fitting in well.”

The Orrville senior feels he has a lot to bring to the program once college begins.

“My energy and playing the right way,” Marshall said about what he can provide. “I’m someone who goes out and does my job and gets things done.”

Business is the planned major for Marshall, a 3.9 student excited about making a commitment to play in the MAC.

“Coach (Jeff) Duncan gave me a really good offer that I couldn’t turn away and I committed to go there,” reflected Marshall, referring to the head coach at Kent. “It was on the phone with me and my dad and just an amazing feeling.”