If Brandon Marshall was disappointed over his exclusion from the NFL Combine invitation list released this week, he didn't show it at Saturday's Hula Bowl.
In his return to the Aloha Bowl, site of his last and best game as an amateur, the UCF wide receiver caught five passes for 101 yards and a touchdown, helping his East squad to a 10-7 victory over the West.
"Surprise of the week," ESPN analyst Bob Davie called Marshall during the telecast. "He has opened every scout's eyes in attendance this week."
Marshall wasted no time getting involved, getting open down the right side on the opening play for the East. Miami (Ohio) quarterback Josh Betts scrambled and hit Marshall for a 45-yard gain, prompting praise from the ESPN crew.
"I spoke with three scouts today, and I said 'Who's the best player this week at the Hula Bowl?' and all three of them mentioned [Brandon Marshall]," ESPN analyst Mark May said.
The praise for Marshall extended from the press box to the sideline.
"He has a big body and is very physical," East Carolina Coach Skip Holtz told the Associated Press. "He's very hard to press, and he's so tall, he can go up and get a jump ball."
Marshall showed off that size and physicality on his touchdown catch. Iowa cornerback Antwan Allen tried to play bump-and-run, but Marshall extended his arms and powered him off on the snap, making a quick move to the left and catching a 10-yard lob from Linfield College (Ore.) quarterback Brett Elliott for the winning touchdown.
"That's what scouts want to see," May said.
Apparently, it wasn't what the coaches wanted to see. They voted Illinois State defensive end Brent Hawkins MVP of the East squad, despite media votes awarding the honor to Marshall.
Marshall joked with the coaches during the award presentation, asking "What's up with the MVP?" according to the AP.
Without an invite to the combine, Marshall faces an uphill climb in establishing his stock before the NFL Draft in late April. The Hula Bowl performance, along with his strong practices during the week will help. UCF might hold a "Pro Day" for scouts to get a closer look at Marshall and fellow seniors Darcy Johnson, Paul Carrington and James Cook, none of whom were invited to Indianapolis for the combine.



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