UCF's Defensive Back Announces His Return

Braeden Marshall cemented himself as a lifelong Knight after announcing his return to the program for his final year on social media Sunday morning. 

Marshall used the acronym "NFL" in his posts, standing for "Never Forget Loyalty." He joins his former teammates, offensive lineman Paul Rubelt and EDGE Malachi Lawrence, as one of the few players to stay with UCF for four years. 

"These last three years at UCF have been nothing short of a blessing," Marshall said in his announcement post. "Growing up in Orlando, getting to put on for my city and this university, it means everything. UCF has given me memories, relationships and moments that will stay with me for life. Once a Knight, Always a Knight." 

Marshall is coming off a stellar season as a starter under defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. The Lake Mary native accumulated 22 tackles (20 solo and two assisted), two tackles for a loss, a pass breakup, two interceptions and three passes defended. 

His two interceptions came in high-leverage moments to turn the tide of the game in his team's favor. Marshall's first turnover was against the North Carolina Tar Heels. He picked off quarterback Gio Lopez in the red zone after his teammate, Jayden Bellamy, deflected the ball in the air. 

Marshall's second pick was a game-sealing turnover against the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Senior Knight, helping send his senior teammates out with a victory in their final home game. The Marshall-Bellamy tandem struck again, as Marshall swooped in to corral the pass Bellamy deflected. 

"He was out for a game and then like a game and a half," Bellamy said. "So, I feel like that was big for him. Coach Grinch did a good job calling a great play, and he was just over the top and just had to make the pick."

The 5-foot-10 defensive back committed to UCF in 2022 as a four-star cornerback out of Lake Mary High School. He immediately made an impact in his freshman season playing all 13 games, totaling 22 tackles (14 solo and eight assisted), two tackles for a loss, an interception, a pass breakup and two passes defended.

He replicated similar stats in his sophomore year in nine games. Marshall's steady seasons showcase his consistency as a defensive back, and his return brings stability and leadership to a defensive back room aiming to improve.

Marshall cements himself as a hometown hero heading into his final season as a Knight, and just like Lawrence, he's leaving behind a legacy of loyalty.

"That's really the legacy," Lawrence said. "Just showing that you can stay somewhere all four years and still have a good career."