Nick Marsh: Megatron Migrates to Michigan State

For the past four years it has been easy to hear the name Nick Marsh. It was first heard on Detroit's east side and nurtured in the City of River Rouge. Where he spent his time as a student, and athlete for the Panthers. Flying high on the field and court. Nick's beginning is a humble one and it's just getting started.

Marsh came to River Rouge in the eighth grade, making waves at STEM Academy with his presence. During that year he was able to adjust to the new environment and the unique standard of operations in River Rouge. Marsh's Freshman year was a special one. He played under Coach Corey Parker, on a team that made it to a MHSAA state championship.

This year was one of the most important of Nick's career. He quickly became aware that the Panthers were much more than a football team. Marsh learned that he had become a part of a brotherhood, and that the players built, and cherished relationships with each other on and off the field. Nick's MHSAA final's performance with quarterback Mareyohn Hrabowski also put his name in the rooms of college recruiters across the country.

Nick's career moving forward constantly changed around him. He received more media coverage during his sophomore year and learned to play with a new quarterback system. After Hrabowski, he shared the field with Christian Johnson, and Mckale Mcdowell. Marsh didn't halter after the change. He believes the quarterback is the captain of the team and offense, and trusts whoever commanded the backfield.

The only thing constant around Nick was his own sense of determination. He adapted to the changes in his growing body by eating right and following his workouts. Marsh stood grounded like when it mattered most. When Coach Eric Pettway took over as head coach as Coach Corey Parker made his NCAA coaching debut. Nick held the team down through the politics and changes the situation brought. This process earned him a four-star recruitment rank, while being the 28th ranked receiver in the country, and third ranked player in the state his Senior year. Nick even had the privilege to meet with the nation's top recruits to compete in the US Army All American Bowl.

Nick Marsh is nicknamed Megatron and is Michigan State's highest ranked recruit for the same reasons. His electrifying play style often reminds spectators of the Detroit Lions legend, Calvin Johnson. Crowds have witnessed him catch the ball with one hand down the sideline of the field, triple covered in the endzone, and even run punt returns to the house. Marsh does not fear taking on a block or catch the ball over defenders in the middle of the field.

Yolanda Wilson, Nick's mother. Had her son's back every step of the way. She is indeed his biggest fan, supporter, and has always had Nick's best interest at heart. Miss Wilson, affectionately known as "Mama-Tron" has helped Nick market himself on the national stage, and as a future household name. Nick will have been on campus for about two weeks. He has left Mama Yolanda's nest, and Coach Pettway's Panther den to compete with the men in Lansing's colosseum. To fulfill his goal of rebuilding Michigan State's football team and making it to the NFL. The people of River Rouge, and the Telegram Newspaper wish you the best on your journey!

Xavier Jones - What influenced your commitment to Michigan State?

Nick Marsh - The love and consistency they've shown throughout my recruitment process. Even when times became difficult, Michigan State proved they were with me through thick and thin. Other schools weren't focused on building a relationship with me the same way. Certain schools seemed to be strictly business and had no intention of forming a connection with me. I didn't want to commit to a school I had no relationship with. The politics, policies, and coaching staff aren't guaranteed to stay the same. Getting caught in that crossfire could put an unnecessary pause on my career.

Xavier Jones - Did you learn the importance of building a relationship from the Parker, Pettway, and River Rouge Coaching systems?

Nick Marsh - Most definitely! I had Parker for two years. He left after my sophomore year. I witnessed all the pandemonium that came with it. I honestly considered transferring. But I knew for a fact that nobody would treat me like Rouge, and I didn't want to leave the people I had known to trust. Even as an Eastsider the city always showed me love and support.

Xavier Jones - What made your mother decide River Rouge was the best place for you to go?

Nick Marsh - The area I grew up in was troublesome. It's the Eastside of Detroit, we're aware of the reputation it comes with. I didn't get into a lot of trouble, but there was so much trouble around me. She put me in sports and different community programs. As I got older, she really wanted me to have a solid place to grow, learn some discipline, and become better as a young man. Coach Parker put it on the table that his most important goals were developing young men. She was sold from there.

Xavier Jones - What was your mother's role throughout this journey?

Nick Marsh - She has pushed me so hard; it's been great! I never wanted to play football, or basketball. I just loved playing outside! I'm her only boy so she wouldn't let me get lazy or waste my talents. She kept me around the programs and people that kept me out of trouble and helped me become the man I am today. My mother has been my number one support system, whether it's traveling, grades, football, relationships, or break ups. I can always count on my mother to be there for me.

Xavier Jones - How was the transition from Coach Parker to Pettway for you?

Nick Marsh - I can't lie it was difficult at the moment. We were all thankful and appreciative of Coach Parker. But the team as a whole had something to prove. That we can be a great football team without him. Our first season started off slow, but we did good and made it to the playoffs. This year we had a very difficult schedule but finished strong. One time, Coach Pettway even let me call a play. Pettway trusted me and the captains with a lot of freedom. I've been around long enough to know what not to do with the power. The role allowed me to build trust with my teammates and coaches. I wanted the team to know I trusted them the same way they trusted me.

Xavier Jones - Are you nervous about what's next to come?

Nick Marsh - Yes I'm nervous! I'm nervous when it's game time! Everyone in the stadium knows I'm getting the ball. I know I'm getting the ball. The other team, and the guy in front of me knows I'm getting the ball! But I was coached to play through the pressure. At the end of the day, I'm Nick Marsh! The moment will never be too big to beat me! I've never been scared of a dog-fight. I don't plan to be the player on the sideline getting a pep talk. I'm excited for life moving forward. I get a chance to be on my own, I grew up in a house with four women. Now I'm living with my teammates, so it's going to be different. I have to do the same thing I did at this level to make it to the next. Compete well, lead my brothers, and take care of my body.