{"id":1043,"date":"2026-05-18T20:34:19","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T20:34:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/orlandorelocationreport.com\/?p=1043"},"modified":"2026-05-18T20:34:19","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T20:34:19","slug":"former-edgewater-lb-will-marzolf-grinds-way-to-fbs-dream-at-ohio-football-insider","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/orlandorelocationreport.com\/?p=1043","title":{"rendered":"Former Edgewater LB Will Marzolf grinds way to FBS dream at Ohio | Football Insider"},"content":{"rendered":"
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We\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n

Read more Orange Democrats fear state\u2019s election rules could put Republican in office<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Will Marzolf is a perfect example. The Sentinel\u2019s 2024 Orlando-area Defensive Player of the Year at Edgewater, wasn\u2019t 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\u2019t have many options, so he took his lone opportunity.<\/p>\n

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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cComing out of high school, I\u2019m thankful Mars Hill gave me a chance and helped me in my process to be where I am today,\u201d Marzolf said.<\/p>\n

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Toughness is common thread for All-Area Football Players of the Year<\/p>\n

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