INDIANAPOLIS -- Auburn's Nick Marshall will throw at the NFL Scouting Combine this week because NFL clubs have expressed an interest in him as an emergency option as a passer.
The former star quarterback, who led the Tigers to a national championship appearance against Florida State two years ago, became convinced after the season that his best hope of an NFL career would be as a defensive back. He practiced at cornerback last month at the Senior Bowl, but was invited to the combine as a quarterback. Marshall's agent, Tommy Sims, confirmed to College Football 24/7 on Thursday that Marshall would both throw and perform defensive back drills for clubs at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Marshall (6-foot-1, 208 pounds) has the size NFL clubs are looking for at the position, and according to NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock, his 40-yard dash time at the combine will go a long way with NFL scouts in determining how well he projects at the position.
As for playing emergency quarterback, clubs could be interested in Marshall as a practice-squad option.
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