Louisville kicks off the season Thursday, but Bobby Petrino’s program received big recruiting news off the field Wednesday afternoon, landing a commitment from well-regarded receiver Justin Marshall.

"Louisville is like a second home," Marshall recently told InsideTheVille. "I have so many family and friends of mine that live there and I look up to Devante Parker."

Marshall, who chose Louisville over Tennessee and Maryland, also held offers from Oregon, South Carolina, Auburn, North Carolina and Mississippi State, among others.

“Justin is a prototypical deep threat and can make a big play to impact ball games,” said 247Sports recruiting director Steve Wiltfong. “He is a straight-line receiver who is physical with the football in his hands.”

Rated the No. 61 WR by 247Sports Composite, Marshall becomes Louisville’s 20th verbal commitment in the 2017 class. He also is currently the Cardinals top-ranked recruit.

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At 6’2, 185, Marshall is an athletic receiver who can make tough catches over defenders down the field or turn short passes into long gains with his 4.5 speed. Marshall has drawn comparisons to former Louisville and current Miami Dolphin receiver DeVante Parker.

Marshall, who has transferred from Covington Newton to Georgia Prep Sports Academy for his senior season, is the third wide receiver in Louisville’s recruiting class, joining fellow Georgia standouts Corey Reed and Josh Johnson. Petrino’s offensive class also includes highly-regarded tight end Kemari Averett and quarterback Malik Cunningham.

As a junior, Marshall caught 35 passes for 782 yards and six touchdowns. He was recruited by Louisville assistant Lonnie Galloway.

“The entire staff is amazing,” Marshall said. “It seems like a great fit for me.”

Prior to Marshall’s commitment, Louisville’s recruiting class ranked No. 37 nationally and 8th in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Marshall will boost the class a few spots higher in the ratings.

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