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Former Plant QB Marve picks Purdue after leaving Miami

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Robert Marve led Plant to a state championship and was named Mr. Florida Football before going to Miami.

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By BRETT McMURPHY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 21, 2009

TAMPA - Former University of Miami and Plant High quarterback Robert Marve announced Thursday that he will transfer to Purdue.

Marve had considered several schools, but narrowed down his options to two: a scholarship offer to Purdue or walking on at Tennessee.

"Purdue felt very comfortable being there with offensive coordinator Gary Nord and Coach Danny Hope," said Marve, who announced his decision on ESPN's College Football Live. "I'm excited to be running the spread [offense] again."

Marve must sit out the 2009 season at Purdue. He will have two years eligibility in 2010 and 2011. The Boilermakers finished 4-8 last season.

"No. 1, we are really excited to have a player the caliber of Robert become a Boilermaker," said Hope, who replaced Joe Tiller this year as the Boilermakers' new coach. "We became a better football program today.

"His recruitment the last couple of months was a major story, not just at Purdue but nationally. He could have gone to any of a number of the best schools in the country. I applaud his efforts throughout the process. He confided in his family and his high school coach and was very thorough in his decision making. He was respectful to us the entire time, and he conducted himself in a first-class manner."

Marve had been seeking a new school after announcing in December he was transferring from Miami.

Marve also had a scholarship offer from South Florida and considered several schools, including Arizona State and Nebraska.

A former Mr. Florida Football, Marve threw for 1,293 yards, nine TDs and 13 interceptions at Miami last year but was suspended for the Hurricanes' bowl game because of academics. In December, Marve announced he was transferring from Miami, but the school initially prohibited him from transferring to any ACC, SEC or state school.

UM later said Marve could transfer to any SEC school – except UT, UF or LSU – and also added USF and Central Florida as possible destinations.

Reporter Brett McMurphy can be reached at (813) 259-7928.

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