DB Braeden Marshall Wants To Leave a Legacy at UCF

Braeden Marshall is one of the last of a dying archetype: a loyal player who's stayed at one school for their entire career.

The hometown hero remained committed to the UCF Knights and returned to spend his senior year in the black and gold. Marshall, like his former teammate Malachi Lawrence, wants to leave a legacy in Orlando.

"I always want to be remembered for something in a good way or a positive way," Marshall told reporters on Monday. "I felt like showing my loyalty, especially to my hometown, is one of the reasons why I stayed."

Marshall played his high school football at Lake Mary High School, which is 30 minutes away from UCF's main campus. The former four-star cornerback committed to play for the Knights on July 30, 2022.

He earned immediate playing time as a true freshman, appearing in all 13 games and starting four of them. UCF saw his potential and continued to nourish his growth into a veteran leader.

The 5-foot-10 defensive back played a significant role in his team's close victory over the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Marshall caught the game-sealing interception after Jayden Bellamy broke up Zane Flores' pass.

He sent the seniors off with a win in their final home game, and this season, his underclassmen hope to do the same for him.

Community is important to Marshall, as his hometown has seen him grow from a four-star corner in high school to a high-level starter in the Big 12. He returned to Lake Mary and hosted a youth football camp to inspire the next generation.

Old memories came rushing back to the senior after four years away from his alma mater. The first moment he thought of: his pick-six against Lake Gibson. He said he's proud of what the program has developed into, as it won the state championship last season.

Marshall said he can't wait to play football again. UCF opens the season on Sept. 3 against Bethune-Cookman.

Expectations for the program have varied, but there is one constant across the entire team: playing with a chip on their shoulders.

"I always felt like it was unfinished business," Marshall said. "And we all carry a chip on our shoulder. I should say everybody on this team, like I said, we got a veteran team."

The Knights have assembled a team that could end a two-year bowl drought, and Marshall is the leader of the senior-laden defensive back group.