9 Days to Purdue Football: Robert Marve

So we are finally here. We're nine days short of kickoff, and the player featured today may be the most important one to the 2010 season. We've waited over a year and a half for him since he announced he was transferring to Purdue from my wife's Hurricanes. He was ridiculed by Miami fans and had some off the field troubles, but now he is here. By all indications, Robert Marve has his head on straight and is ready to lead this team.

Robert Marve - Jr.

Hometown: Tampa, FL (Plant HS)

Quarterback

6'1", 201 pounds

2010 Projection: Starter at quarterback

It seems as if dozens of pages have been written about Marve since he transferred. Miami fans were glad to be rid of him. Purdue was happy to take him after he broke Tim Tebow's passing records in high school. While at Plant HS he was a Parade All-American and Mr. Football in Florida. From there he went to the University of Miami, where he started 11 games and split time with Jacory Harris.

I've run the gamut on my thoughts about Marve. As both a Miami fan and Purdue fan I have been keeping an eye on him since I went to a game in the Orange Bowl back in 2007. Marve was redshirting that year, and I felt the ‘Canes could have used him in the game I saw. Kyle Wright was injured in that game and Kirby Freeman only put out one of the worst quarterback performances you will ever see. He completed one pass that day, an 88 yard touchdown throw. He also had three interceptions as Miami lost in overtime. Unfortunately, a car wreck removed any chance of Marve playing then.

I did see Marve play in person in 2008 once. We went down when Miami faced Virginia Tech in a Thursday night contest and the ‘Canes won behind his running ad throwing. I can see why he struggled and wanted to leave, however. Coach Randy Shannon never allowed either he or Harris to get in a rhythm. Both played about an equal number of snaps. Marve would often start and finish games with Harris playing the middle. He had more interceptions than touchdowns for the year, but showed how much of a threat he was with his legs as well as his arm.

There is little question of the talent Marve has. He is probably our most talented quarterback since Drew Brees himself. Will he have the extra leadership and savvy that Brees had? One of the things that made Brees great was that he knew exactly when to tuck the ball and run. If Marve has this trait, watch out.

I think Marve is going to have a very big year. I think he will surprise people from day one by shredding Notre Dame. he's waited patiently for his chance at redemption, and it is almost here. He has a bunch of talented receivers to throw to, and that will only open up the running game for him and Al-Terek McBurse. When I met him at the Big Ten kickoff luncheon he seemed cool and very mature, as if his trials the past few years have really allowed him to grow up. We'll know for sure in nine days.

I was at this game and saw hints of our future.