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On the same day spring practice began, the Scarlet Knights added another member to this year's recruiting class, as Reedley College cornerback Kobe Marfo Jr. announced his commitment to Rutgers this afternoon.
"By the grace of God I will be furthering my education and football career for the next 3-4 years at Rutgers University," Marfo wrote in his announcement.
The relationship between Marfo and the Scarlet Knights bloomed quickly. The cornerback was offered on March 10, and was on campus for a visit on Monday. Evidently, the visit went so well that Marfo was confident enough in his decision to commit today.
Rutgers was Marfo's fifth offer, as St. Francis (PA), Norfolk State, Albany, and Rhode Island also offered him. While he was not offered, Marfo received interest from Ohio State, Maryland, Clemson, Georgia Boston College, Tennessee, and others. Todderick Hunt of NJ.com reports Arkansas and UMass were on the verge of offering Marfo, and were heavily considered before he chose Rutgers.
At 6-1, 180, he has the size to make an impact at the collegiate level. His measurables compare favorably to sophomore cornerback Blessuan Austin, who turned heads with a strong showing as a true freshman in 2015.
Marfo is originally from Hayfield Secondary School in Quantico, Virginia, but decided to spend a year at Reedley College in California before joining a Division I program. Since he's transferring to Rutgers from a junior college, he will not have to sit a year, and is eligible to play right away. Hunt writes that Marfo will enroll on May 31.
Adding Marfo as a late addition makes a lot of sense for Rutgers, as their 2016 recruiting class was a little short on defensive backs, with Damon Hayes, K.J. Gray, and graduate transfer Ross Taylor-Douglas being the only others in this class.
While he may not start right away, Marfo should have a chance to earn snaps in the defensive backfield. Rutgers is still fairly young and inexperienced at the cornerback position, and depth will be key. Marfo also has an intriguing size-speed combo that could make him a valuable asset in the Jay Niemann defense.
All in all, Marfo seems to be a solid find by head coach Chris Ash this late in the game. You can take a look at Marfo's high school film below.
Welcome to the banks, Kobe!