Lytle: Freshman running back gives Colorado State football the vital spark

The last question had been asked, but Dallin Holker told the assembled media to hold on for just a second.

He had something he wanted to say.

Normally that type of thing leads to a birthday shoutout to a family member or something similar.

Not this one.

The veteran Colorado State football tight end wanted to take the chance to publicly give plaudits to the youngster sitting right next to him.

“Remember Justin Marshall’s name. He’s quiet, he’s humble, but he just works hard and I’m so proud of him and it was so cool to see him go out there and play like that,” Holker said. “Remember his name because he’s going to keep balling.”

Marshall introduced himself in a big way Saturday night.

This CSU team desperately needed a spark. Coach Jay Norvell said it himself this week that the Rams are competitive and in games, but not making the plays to take control.

Marshall took control. The true freshman running back didn’t play in the first nine games, but his number was called in this one because CSU needed a jolt.

He had 45 yards on three runs (and would have scored if not for slipping on the turf) to set up a CSU score. He finished with 18 carries for 119 yards and a touchdown to lead the Rams to a 22-19 win over San Diego State to keep the Rams alive to make a bowl.

“What can I say about Justin Marshall?” Norvell said. “We just needed a shot in the arm. We needed somebody to give us an extra step, an extra burst and a little juice in our running game.”

Norvell says freshmen running backs have a lot to learn in this system, from pass routes to pass protection, so it’s hard to get on the field early. But Marshall has grown through the season as he learns those tasks and now he’s earned more playing time. And no matter how much he plays the rest of the way, this will still count as a redshirt season.

Marshall wasn’t even sure he would see the field in this one.

“I didn’t even know I was going to get in the game, to be honest with you. As soon as they called my name I was ready,” Marshall said. “I can’t lie to you, I was really hyped to get in the game. Couldn’t wait to get the ball to show what I could do.”

He’s the first CSU back to rush for 100 yards in his debut since Ron Harris in 1974. Marshall was a 3-star recruit out of Merrillville High School in Indiana, where he was dynamic.

Marshall rushed for 1,296 yards last season as a senior and also had 1,379 receiving yards in two seasons and scored 38 total touchdowns.

CSU star defensive end Mohamed Kamara said Marshall has been “slippery” as a scout team back, which for those who know Mo understand is a nice compliment.

The Rams desperately needed someone to make something big happen.

Who knew it would be a young running back who had not seen the field.

What will he do for an encore?

“Can’t wait until next week,” Marshall said with a grin.

Follow sports reporter Kevin Lytle on Twitter and Instagram @Kevin_Lytle.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Freshman running back Justin Marshall sparks Colorado State football team