Former Edgewater LB Will Marzolf grinds way to FBS dream at Ohio | Football Insider

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We’ve talked many times in this space about the new world of college football recruiting. How high school players need to begin rethinking their immediate, big-time dreams and curb their expectations.

In the evolution of the NCAA transfer portal, where experienced college football players take roster positions away from high school prospects, the prep stars need to be realistic about their path. They just think smaller. Yes, FBS football can be the dream and the goal, but getting there is no longer a direct path.

Will Marzolf is a perfect example. The Sentinel’s 2024 Orlando-area Defensive Player of the Year at Edgewater, wasn’t getting a lot of recruiting attention in his senior season, despite leading Central Florida with 24 sacks. Sure it was his dream to play at a big-time school. But reality hit and he didn’t have many options, so he took his lone opportunity.

Marzolf started seven games at Division II Mars Hill last season, gaining enough attention to transfer to FBS Ohio University and committing to the Bobcats on Sunday. He wasn’t even on a full scholarship to the private school in North Carolina, but he wanted to play and he was ready to work. Marzolf approached it like he does every snap. In high school, he was a relentless pursuant of the quarterback. At 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, he was always fighting off bigger offensive linemen, but did it with an abundance of success. It would be no different at Mars Hill.

He was in the starting lineup by the fourth game of the season. Marzolf started seven games at outside linebacker, posting 34 tackles and three sacks.

It was just enough to get him noticed. On Sunday, after deciding to enter the transfer portal Friday, Marzolf announced he had committed to Ohio after taking an official visit to the school. There were others in the mix, Ball State being one of them, but Marzolf was sold on the Bobcats and he had finally made Division I.

“Coming out of high school, I’m thankful Mars Hill gave me a chance and helped me in my process to be where I am today,” Marzolf said.

Toughness is common thread for All-Area Football Players of the Year

It’s not a Power 4 school, but it’s still the bright lights of the MAC and a Group of 6 program that has been to a bowl game in eight of the past 10 seasons.

“I haven’t been this happy in a while, and I mean for my whole family,” Marzolf said. “Especially my dad, because he knows how hard I work. For us to come home after visiting there, I can’t even think. Gosh, I’m staying humble, but it’s really something new and something I’m really proud about.”

It was never easy, but there is no quit in this guy and he was determined to show all of those college football coaches who had passed on him that they should not have done so.

He watched as scholarship offers rolled in for his Edgewater teammates, and saw them go off to FBS schools. Marzolf was the No. 15-ranked player in the Sentinel’s 2025 Central Florida Super60. In his same class: Semaj Fleming, who went to Boston College; Jaden Wilkerson, who went to Miami, Jatorian Mack, who went to Appalachian State; and Tyson Carter, who went to FIU.

“Definitely seeing all of my friends being able to participate at a Division I level … I did feel a bit let down by the recruiting process,” Marzolf said. “I kind of felt like coaches were lazy on me and didn’t want to develop me, but Mars Hill took a chance on me. I’m grateful.”

He said there is one thing that always drove him. Athletes will often say, “Be your best when no one is watching.” Marzolf made that his motto.

“You are only as good as you are when you’re alone,” Marzolf said. “It’s what you do when you are behind closed doors.”

“I had to beat out a senior when I got there (Mars Hill), so I definitely had to go in there and grind,” Marzolf said. “I just went in there and proved myself. I was really able to make an impact on the program and that’s what I’ve always wanted to do.”

When it comes to high school players, and it goes for any sport, most will have to put aside dreams of bright lights and big stadiums.

“There is a huge ego when it comes to football,” Marzolf said. “All of the big stadiums, the shining lights, the media days … it gets to the players. But at the end of the day it’s what happens on the field. You gotta execute.”

Marzolf said you have to make big plays, but it’s also the little things that get a coach’s attention.

“Every rep matters. They are always evaluating. The little things,” Marzolf said. “I’m a big weight room guy. You gotta be the strong one out there. If you are already gifted, imagine what you can be if you are stronger and faster and smarter.

“The little things like showing up early for everything, making sure you get to bed on time, nutrition, hydrating. Every little thing you do when you are by yourself.”

Marzolf is a success story in an era when college recruiting has become more difficult for 3-star players than ever before. Players have to realize, just because the only option might be a Mars Hill or an Elon or a Bethune-Cookman — and on and on — doesn’t mean it’s the end of the dream.

Chris Hays can be found on X.com@OS_ChrisHays.

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