Helping out wherever needed

By Joe Conroy

Published: August 27, 2008

As a wide receiver who stands a shade under 6-feet, Miguel Marshall says he models his game after another 5-10 route-runner: Philadelphia’s DeSean Jackson.

But it’s not the Eagles’ Jackson who Marshall tries to emulate. No, it’s Cincinnati’s exciting (and vocal) Chad Johnson. Just not for the reason that first comes to mind.

“It’s his work ethic towards the game. He plays hard every snap,” Marshall said.

Marshall would be pleased to know that is almost verbatim how Bruins coach Charlie Chandler describes Marshall, the team’s do-it-all player.

“He brings it everyday, every play, every rep,” the coach says. “He does everything. He’s a leader and we look for that. He’s an iron man, he plays everything.”

And Chandler means everything. Marshall has lined up as a receiver (his primary position), a running back, a safety and even taken snaps as the quarterback.

Last year Marshall was second to Matt McCracken in catches with 29 (McCracken had 31) and he had a third-best 363 yards receiving behind McCracken (526) and Michael Williams (374).

“His best position is ‘on the field,’ ” Chandler said. “If I asked him to play guard or on the line, he’d give me a strange look, but I guarantee you that if we needed him there he would do it. His mind is 100 percent football.”

Marshall, who was an all-district defensive back and a second-team choice at wide receiver in 2007, agrees that his awareness and football intelligence is his best weapon during play, particularly on defense.

“My knowledge of the game is my strength,” he said. “I’m not the fastest or the biggest, but I know what I’m doing out there.”

Chandler calls Marshall one of the best all-around players in the area and will play him wherever it helps the team the most.

“As long as I’m not on the sideline,” Marshall said.