Growing up, Paryss Marshall quickly realized his instant recognition and the expectations that would follow him along the way.

The son of former NBA player Donyell Marshall, Paryss knew the public expected him to immediately excel in athletics, most notably on the basketball court. But the younger Marshall was determined to blaze his own trail from the start on the court and fields.

He recalled a time during a basketball camp at Penn State when his situation and presumed future became apparent.

"I would really look forward to going there every year," said Marshall of the experience with his father. "But I also knew who I was. People would always refer to me as Donyell Marshall's son. I was happy with that reference and proud of what my father accomplished.

"Eventually, though, I wanted people to know me for who I am. I also quickly realized how much more I enjoyed football than basketball."

From his earliest athletic beginnings, Marshall preferred football over basketball.

He recalled his year with the 115-pound team when the love of football would outweigh any thoughts regarding basketball. It proved to be a pioneer adventure for him.

"My dad soon realized that I wanted to play football," he said. "In fact, I was the only football player in my family. But once I got to high school, things didn't initially work out like I thought they would.

"I began to think about choosing football over basketball."

Marshall saw limited action his freshman year, and it eventually was cut short due to a broken leg. Still, Marshall preserved it in his sophomore season, and the reality of a football career began to take shape.

"During the Eastern Conference playoffs (during sophomore year), I went into the game and caught a touchdown pass," he stated. "We kept battling, but we lost the game. In the Thanksgiving game that year, I caught a 50-yard touchdown pass and had a good game. I knew then I belonged on the football field."

In his junior year, Marshall pieced his game together on both sides of the ball as he caught 40 passes for over 800 yards and scored 12 touchdowns, while he also swiped nine interceptions. This past season, he further raised his stock when he had 76 catches for over 1,500 yards with 20 touchdowns. He also was named to the PA All-State team.

His biggest challenge this past season was dealing with coverages. He managed to overcome those obstacles with the help of quarterback Zack Bradley.

"There were a lot of games when I was double teamed and some where I was triple teamed," he said. "It was something I had to get used to. But Zack (Bradley) and I would give each other hand signals to change the routes.

"It really worked to our advantage."

Former head coach Tom Falzone figured it was just a matter of time before Marshall broke out.

"He (Marshall) wanted to be a football player," said Falzone. "Paryss always had speed and could jump. He had some big games for us his sophomore year, and we figured he was ready to take it to the next level.

"Over the past two years, he was definitely among the best at his positions."

Yet, Marshall still excelled on the basketball courts. After he increased his playing time and game production his junior year, Marshall was among those expected to set the pace for the Roughies this past winter.

"Coach (Eric Snyder) told me that I was a man out there, not just a young boy," stated Marshall. "I seemed to always be out there on the floor and there were four or five games that I didn't come out. (Coach Snyder) also expected me to carry the team on my shoulders. It was a good year for me."

Snyder was pleased with his player's progress.

"Paryss took on more of a leadership role this winter," noted Snyder. "We had him coming off the bench and then starting. But he had a good summer and really developed his jump shot and was very aggressive on the boards.

"He really took his game to the next level."

Hidden in the shadows, though, has been his performance in the track program. This spring, Marshall took ninth in the high jump at the PIAA Class 2A state meet.

He joined the team during his sophomore year, but took last year off to concentrate on football.

"That had to be one of my biggest moments this year and ever," stated Marshall. "I would go out for track to stay in shape and it was a challenge for me. My events worked out well for me in the league and district meets and soon realized I could place high at states.

"It was a great honor for me."

Over the next few weeks, Marshall will be making preparations to continue his football career at Shippensburg University, where he will also pursue a career in journalism in which he would like to become a web writer/editor.

Marshall could see some playing time his freshman season despite the squad being senior-heavy at receiver.

"I spoke to the coaches there (Shippensburg) and they thought I could get some playing time this year," he said. "But I know I want to stay in sports. I want to try and get a sports writing or web design job on the internet. Shippensburg has some internship options and I don't mind traveling around.

"It's difficult leaving Catasauqua because I grew up with these guys for some many years and we are one big family. But I know I have to keep working to get better with sports and in all of my pursuits.

"It will take a lot of dedication and hard work. I want to go out and establish myself."