SV grad Marlow back at Edinboro with renewed focus

Source: Erie Times-News, Pa.mini storageAug. 27--Brandon Marlow has viewed college football from inside and outside the ropes. He prefers where he was standing Sunday, on the field answering questions about Edinboro's upcoming season during the Fighting Scots' media day at Sox Harrison Stadium.Out of football the past two years, the former Strong Vincent standout is back at Edinboro after leaving following the 2009-10 school year because of academic struggles.Marlow, a second-team all-state selection at tight end and an all-District 10 linebacker as a high school senior, worked as a chef at Mercyhurst University during his time away."Looking at those (Mercyhurst players) still playing football and coming through the (food) line put a chip on my shoulder," Marlow said. "And they had some nice teams, too. It made me realize how much I missed it."But Marlow acknowledges he needed a break to reset his priorities. When he resumed training this summer with plans to attend Edinboro's camp and re-enroll in school, it was with a renewed focus, he said."That two years off was definitely a maturity step for me," he said."I came back here on the field and it's a lot easier for me, it's a lot more (meaningful). It's about studying what I need to study and learning what I need to learn on the football field instead of just playing for myself."Edinboro's coaches like what they're seeing. Marlow, listed at 6 feet 2 inches, 240 pounds, has worked at defensive end in camp and been a force so far."Great instincts, can rush the passer -- you can't find those guys," defensive coordinator Wayne Bradford said of Marlow. "There's only so much you can teach. They either have a kself storageack or don't. He has a knack. He can set you up and come underneath. He can beat you with speed on the edge. He's stronger than you think. He's just a good football player, and he's got a high football IQ."Senior quarterback Cody Harris is among those who have taken notice of Marlow's presence in camp and his potential on Edinboro's defense."He was a big piece for us a couple of years ago and he's going to bring a lot to us," Harris said.Marlow was lightly recruited out of high school despite a big senior season and a career-capping moment in the 2009 Save-An-Eye game, when he caught the winning touchdown pass with 58 seconds left in a 21-17 City victory.He landed at Edinboro and made a good first impression, but he said he did a poor job of balancing football with school, and school lost out."I pushed myself this summer because I knew I was going to have to come in in top-notch shape," he said. "I knew they would be expecting a lot from me, especially being out for two years. When I was here the first time, they expected a lot from me and I failed. There's no chance for that this time."Marlow has three seasons of eligibility left. At 22, he's older than the usual sophomore, and his teammates have been quick to remind him of that."They've been calling me 'old rookie,' " Marlow said. "Hopefully I can be a leader eventually, and when they accept me I can step up to the plate."JOHN DUDLEY can be reached at 870-1677 or john.dudley@timesnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ETNdudley.Copyright: ___ (c)2013 the Erie Times-News (Erie, Pa.) Visit the Erie Times-News (Erie, Pa.) at .GoErie.com Distributed by MCT Information Services迷你倉