Hugh Freeze's Auburn lands commitment of DL Nate Marshall to the class of 2025: Reports 

By Maliha

Modified Aug 24, 2024 05:49 GMT

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Coach Hugh Freeze has once again proved his recruiting prowess by flipping four-star defensive lineman Nate Marshall from Michigan to Auburn. The standout from Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Illinois, had been committed to the Wolverines since April 22 but has now decided to change his commitment to the Tigers.

Marshall had been a regular presence in Ann Arbor, attending key events such as Michigan's BBQ at the Big House at the end of July, but Auburn's persistent recruiting efforts won out. His decommitment leaves the Wolverines with Julius Holly, Bobby Kanka and Jaylen Williams as the remaining defensive line commitments in their 2025 class.

Coach Sherrone Moore's program also missed out on other top defensive line targets this summer, including Marco Jones and DJ Sanders.

Marshall initially planned to pursue a career in basketball, following in the footsteps of his mother, Khara, who played at DePaul. But his talents on the football field have since taken center stage. He is now a versatile two-way player who lines up at tight end and wide receiver in addition to his primary role on the defensive line.

During the 2023 season, the 6-foot-5, 265-pound prospect recorded 38 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 13 quarterback hits, six sacks, four forced fumbles and four blocked kicks while also scoring four touchdown receptions. His performance that season earned him the accolade of Defensive Player of the Year.

Marshall is the No. 120 overall recruit in the country, the No. 12 defensive lineman in the 2025 class and the No. 4 recruit in Illinois, per On3. 247 Sports places him as the nation's No. 80 overall prospect, the No. 12 defensive lineman in the class and the No. 2 recruit in Illinois.

Why did Nate Marshall swap his commitment to Auburn?

Nate Marshall made multiple visits to Auburn, including a game last year, a return in April for a spring game and an official visit on June 7. He was impressed by the Tigers' holistic approach to player development during those back-to-back visits (via On3):

“Their commitment to players as a whole!” Marshall said. “ They want to pour into players’ entirety not just as an athlete and I think with that mindset it’ll carryover to on the field success.”

One of the key factors in Marshall’s decision was his connection with Auburn’s defensive line coach, Vontrell King-Williams:

“I like Coach Vontrell,” he added. “He’s from where I’m from, so we have that connection. He’s been recruiting me for a year or two, so we have that relationship, that bond. Coach Trell, how he carries himself and how he coaches."

Marshall also had heavy praise for the culture established by Freeze:

“I like the culture of the team and how Coach Freeze handles the team and handles himself,” Marshall continued. “I met some of the players, too, and they’re pretty cool. Some of the other recruits, too. Why not surround myself with good people like that.”

Nate Marshall is the fourth defensive lineman in Auburn's 2025 class, joining Malik Autry, Jourdin Crawford and Antonio Coleman. He is the 23rd committed player in the class, which ranks No. 5 in the nation and No. 4 in the SEC.