Ex-Miami QB narrows choices to six

By Andy Staples, SI.com

Robert Marve narrowed his search to six. David Bergman/SI

TAMPA, Fla. -- One of college football's most sought-after free agents has narrowed his list to six finalists, but his final decision probably won't come for more than a month. Former Miami quarterback Robert Marve, who left the Hurricanes after his redshirt freshman season, hopes to choose a new school after visiting Michigan, Nebraska, Purdue, Texas Tech, South Florida and UCLA.

Marve, who spent Saturday on USF's campus helping to coach players from alma mater Plant High in a seven-on-seven tournament, said the second time through the recruiting process differs drastically from the first. Coaches' sales pitches get taken with a larger grain of salt. "Definitely it's different," Marve said. "You kind of take things more realistically."

Per NCAA transfer rules, Marve will have to sit out the 2009 season. He'll be eligible to play two seasons beginning in 2010. Marve started 11 games in 2008, throwing for 1,293 yards with nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions while splitting time with true freshman Jacory Harris. Marve was suspended for Miami's season opener and for the Hurricanes' Emerald Bowl loss to Cal for violations of team rules.

After Marve decided to transfer, Miami coach Randy Shannon refused to release him to any ACC or SEC school or to any school in Florida. An appeals panel amended Marve's release, allowing him to transfer on scholarship to any school except an ACC member, Florida, Tennessee or LSU.

Whichever school Marve chooses will get a player rested and ready to practice. "I've been kind of bored at home," Marve said. "All I do is lift weights and read books."