Miami transfer QB Marve still considering two Big 12 schools
April 7, 2009 10:21 AM
Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
Nebraska and Texas Tech still rank among the finalists for Miami quarterback Robert Marve, who is transferring from the Hurricane program.
Robert Weiner, Marve's former high school coach at Plant High School in Tampa, told Florida reporters Monday that Marve will begin making trips this weekend when he visits Purdue. Other trips he has scheduled over the next month include Texas Tech, Nebraska and Arizona State.
The Sun Devils are a new entry into the Marve sweepstakes and apparently have replaced Michigan, which recently picked up a commitment for another drop-back passer set to arrive next season.
Marve also could visit UCLA after spring practice finishes. And he still includes hometown USF among his finalists.
The St. Petersburg Times reported that USF might have the ultimate advantage for Marve's immediate playing time. If he plays with his hometown school, he could petition for an NCAA hardship waiver because of his father's medical issues.
I still think that playing for USF makes the most sense for Marve. But the fact that he's scheduled recruiting visits across the country over the next few weeks might indicate that playing close to his family isn't his major reason for the transfer.
Marve has scheduled his trip to Nebraska for the Cornhuskers' April 18 spring game.
With Patrick Witt leaving the Nebraska program, Nebraska coach Bo Pelini said he might be interested in considering what Marve could provide for his team. Marve would sit out a year as a transfer and be eligible for the 2010 season.
"With Patrick leaving, it kind of leaves a hole in the class," Pelini said. "So if it was the right guy, and the right situation, the right kid, it'd be something we'd be interested in possibly. Specifically him, I don't know. But we'll see how it plays out."
Marve passed for 1,293 yards for the Hurricanes last season, with nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He split time as a starter with Jacory Harris.
The season was marred by a pair of suspensions for Marve. He was kept out of the first game of the season and the Hurricanes' Emerald Bowl loss to California by Miami coach Randy Shannon.