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OL, 6'6, 315, 5.2, 375 bp
Montevallo, AL
Nickname: T-Bone
High School: Montevallo
HS Number: 79
AL Number: 79
Official Visits: Alabama
Host During Alabama Visit: Shamari Buchanan
Committed: December 4, 1997
Academic Status: Qualified
Stats
HS Junior Season
Blocking
HS Senior Season
Blocking
Honors
- Two-time All-County
- All-State
- All Super Metro
- Tuscaloosa News Sweet 16
- Tuscaloosa News Preseason Sweet 16
Stories
The Best Kept Secret in Alabama
He wasn’t a highly recruited prospect. But he’s got what it takes to be a big-time player -- size, strength and athletic ability.
"I didn’t start playing until my sophomore year," Ray Marshall says. "It took me some time to develop. I think that’s why nobody knew about me."
Montevallo coach Eddie Williams says that Marshall was the best kept secret in Alabama last year.
"He made a great deal of progress the past two years," Coach Williams says. "He’s a big, strong kid with good feet. "
Marshall fits into the Neil Callaway mold -- a big, wide body with long arms.
"I’m the kind of offensive lineman that they need to open up the offense," Marshall says. "I’m a good pass blocker. And when they want to pound the ball, I’m a physical run blocker."
"He’s not an impact player for next season," Coach Williams says. "But in a couple of years he’s going to be a jewel of a player."
Play "26"
The play is simply called "26." It is designed for Shontua Ray to sweep right behind the blocking of Ray Marshall.
"We got a lot of yards out of that play this season," Marshall says.
Marshall’s fondest memory of play "26" came last season against Dallas County.
"I took out the defensive end to open the hole," recalls Marshall. "Then I saw Shontua cut back behind me. I escorted him into the secondary where I took out another guy. By the time I looked up, Shontua was long gone."
It was a 66-yard TD.
Shontua Goes 99 Yards!
What did Montevallo do when they were in trouble? They gave the ball to Shontua Ray, and he ran behind Ray Marshall.
West Blockton had Montevallo in trouble. Montevallo was facing a third-and-10 inside their own one-yard line. So, what did they do? What else?
"It was a dive play over the right side" recalls Ray Marshall. "Shontua broke through the pile and was gone. I remember him looking back when he was at midfield. There wasn’t a defender within 40 yards of him. It was a great run."
Give the ball to Shontua and let him run behind Marshall. It’s a quick way to get out of trouble.
On The Recruiting Trail …
Ray Marshall had an idea that Alabama was interested. But he wasn’t sure how much until Tide assistant coach Dabo Swinney called and offered him a scholarship
"I was so excited that I was at a loss for words," Marshall recalls.
A few days later, when Marshall came down from his emotional high, he realized that he’d better give Swinney an answer.
"I called and told him that I’d love to play for Alabama. It was a like dream for me."
The Montevallo Pipeline?
This year Montevallo sent two players to Alabama. And more could be on the way. All-purpose star Leonard Fulgham (6’3, 180, 4.5) will be one of the state’s top prospects next season.
"He’s going to dazzle a lot of people," says Ray Marshall. "He’s a superior athlete who can play anywhere on the field."
Fulgham has played QB, WR and FS, and he has returned kicks. As a junior he had six INTs and returned eight kicks for TDs. He’s also a star basketball player. In a recent game he poured in 41 points.
"He’s always been an Alabama fan," Marshall says. "I think there’s a good chance that’s where he could end up."
Reportedly, Alabama is recruiting him for football and basketball.
Q&A
TI: Ray, were you and Shontua a package deal for Alabama?
RM: It was kind of a coincidence that we committed to Alabama at the same time.
TI: So neither one of you knew the other one was going to Alabama?
RM: I thought he might go to Auburn. But he really started liking Alabama this year. Before Alabama offered me, I didn’t know exactly where I’d go.
TI: Did Shontua help you get noticed?
RM: Yeah, definitely. He was having this great season and people began wondering who was doing the blocking for him. That’s when I started getting some recognition.
TI: As a football player, what are your strengths?
RM: Size, strength, and my ability pass and run block. I really love blocking, especially drive blocking.
TI: Your critics say that you have a tendency to take a play or two off every now and then. Would you agree with that assessment?
RM: I agree that I’ve got to overcome the mental part of being tired. Sometimes when you play 10 or 12 straight plays your mind starts telling you that your tired. That’s when you begin to slack off. I know that I’ve got to learn to suck it up.
TI: Do you think that you’ll be ready to play next season?
RM: I’m already working out and running to get ready for next season. But if they decide to redshirt me I’ll understand. It’ll give me some time to learn and prepare myself for later.
TI: By the way, which tackle spot do you expect to play?
RM: I’m almost sure that I’ll be at right tackle.
TI: What do you feel about the future of Alabama football?
RM: I feel great about the future. Last season was not a typical Alabama season. I just hope that everyone will be positive. We’re going to turn it around.
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