With talent like Kenjon Barner and De’Anthony Thomas in the backfield, it can be hard to find playing time outside of garbage minutes. But freshman running back Byron Marshall’s speed and versatility has forced coaches to turn to him as their third option. On campus just a couple months and about to start his first classes in college, Marshall has already seen more rushing carries this year than Thomas.
The Emerald caught up with the 5-foot-10 San Jose, Calif., native, who ran for 125 yards on just 13 carries in last week’s rout of Tennessee Tech.
Emerald: Your brother Cameron is the featured back as a senior at Arizona State. Is there some sibling rivalry there? Who’s better?
Marshall: Of course there’s competition — we’re both competitive. I don’t know about better. Obviously I’d like to think (I am), but he would say he’s better, so it goes back and forth. But yeah, there’s a little rivalry. Everything we do — video games, eating, playing, it doesn’t really matter.
(Running backs) Coach Campbell said you were better than he expected and as good as he hoped this year but also mentioned he wanted you to get in a little better shape. How are you tackling that?
I just go harder in practice, take the reps as fullest as I can because you can’t really simulate game speed, so in practice as long as you go a little harder, that’s your best bet for the game.
What did you think about De’Anthony Thomas’ Sports Illustrated cover?
@@gameday@@I mean, congratulations. I saw that last night; he worked hard for it. He deserved it. … Just watch him as he plays. He makes a big run, he doesn’t get up and celebrate, he hands the ball to the ref every time he scores, jumps up with his linemen for the blocks. He’s about the team; he doesn’t really let the hype get to his head.

Not that I heard, no.
What does the cover say about your program?
It shows what kind of team we are, what Coach Kelly always emphasizes, sportsmanship, being humble, and don’t let the the news and stuff get to your head. And I think (De’Anthony) demonstrates that.
Do you believe in the SI cover jinx?
Nah, I don’t really believe in that kind of stuff. I think he deserved it, and he’s gonna take off from here.
Has anything stood out to you on Arizona’s game film?
They’re a good team. They’re a Pac-12 team. Physical, plays hard, runs to the ball. We just have to play our game. I think we should be fine.