Saturday, March 30, 2013

Marshall Football: Spring Practice Report Day 2 & 3

A collection of articles on the second and third day of Marshall University spring football practice.

Herd Zone

Brown Brings Deep Personal Experience to Herd Run Game

Defense 'First Love' for Rookie LB Houston

Herd Insider

Marshall Practice Report: Herd works in full pads for first time Friday

Herald Dispatch

Scott loses weight, gains speed

Coach's stature bigger than size

Herd wants more offense

Charleston Daily Mail

Marshall football: Roberts is healthy, ready to work way into rotation

Herd spring practice - Practice Day 3

Derek Redd: Will remake of Herd offense be as good as original?

Herd spring practice - Practice Day 2

Charleston Gazette

Herd trying to fill holes at safety

Herd offense won't be overlooked

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

C-USA: Tulsa Set to Leave Conference

According to various reports, Tulsa University will exit Conference USA next summer for the remnants of the Big East. The Golden Hurricanes join six other schools, UCF, Houston, ECU, SMU, Tulane, and Memphis that will depart C-USA for the soon to be re-named Big East in the next two years.

Tulsa's exit has been long rumored. In a January interview with the Tulsa World, UT President Stedman Upham expressed his desire to align the university's athletics with other private institutions such as SMU and Tulane. 

C-USA could move quickly to replace the Golden Hurricanes. It was reported that the league had standing agreements with Western Kentucky and New Mexico State to jump on-board when a spot became available. NMSU announced their move to the Sun Belt Conference earlier this week, leaving WKU as the natural replacement.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Marshall Football: Kelson & Aiken Leave Team

In a article published on HerdZone.com this afternoon, Marshall University football coach Doc Holliday announced that defensive tackle Marques Aiken and wide receiver Jermain Kelson have left the program.

Aiken appeared in all 12 games last year, starting 10 while registering 37 tackles, 6.5 for loss, and two sacks. The rising senior graduated last semester and decided not to return. With Aiken's exit, Marshall is left with Ken Smith, Brandon Sparrow, Jarquez Samuel, and Steve Dillon as returning interior defensive lineman. Defensive tackle Josh Brown, a Clemson transfer, won't join the team until August.

Kelson left the team for what Holliday described as "personal reasons". After catching 23 passes for 208 yards as a sophomore Kelson slumped in 2012, only recording seven receptions for 69 yards.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Marshall Football: Recruiting Territories Defined

Over the weekend Jack Bogaczyk published an article on HerdZone.com about Marshall’s football recruiting ties in Florida. Head coach Doc Holliday has scoured the Sun Shine for nearly three decades, procuring talented players for the Thundering Herd, N.C. State, Florida, and WVU. You can read the whole article here but, Bogaczyk also delved into the recruiting territories of Marshall’s assistant coaches. Using Bogaczyk’s column and a little bit of our own information, we have pieced together the recruiting responsibilities of the Herds staff.

Chuck Heater, Defensive Coordinator/Secondary - Heater will be responsible for expanding Marshall's reach in north Florida, recruiting Tallahassee, Pensacola, and Gainesville. The Herd's new defensive coordinator covered those areas during his time as a assistant with the Florida Gators. Heater will also maintain Marshall's junior college contacts in California.

Alex Mirabal, Offensive Line - A former high school coach in the Sun Shine State, Mirabal will cover Florida's Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Adam Fuller, Linebackers - Also covering Florida, Fuller will mine talent in Tampa Bay continuing south down the Gulf coast to Naples.

J.C. Price, Interior Defensive Line - After recruiting the same areas at JMU, Price has Maryland, Northern Virginia, and that states Tidewater/Hampton Roads region covered for Marshall.

Sean Cronin, Defensive Ends - Cronin will recruit Washington D.C. along with a number of Florida territories, Orlando, Treasure Coast, and the Fort Pierce area.

Bill Legg, Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks - Neighboring Ohio will continue to be Legg's recruiting area.

Mike Furrey, Wide Receivers - An area that has produce a number recruits in the Holliday era, Furrey heads the Thundering Herd's efforts in South Carolina and Charlotte North Carolina.

Todd Hartley, Tight Ends/Recruiting Coordinator - After bring a number of Peach State prospects to Marshall, Hartley will continue to recruit most of Georgia except Atlanta and the states northern region.

Thomas Brown, Running Backs - Brown will recruit the parts of Georgia uncovered by Hartley, Atlanta and the states northern region.

*In addition to their other responsibilities each assistant will also be in charge of a few West Virginia high schools.

Friday, March 15, 2013

Marshall Basketball: Martin will Transfer

Marshall University announced that sophomore guard Chris Martin informed head basketball coach Tom Herrion he will transfer following the spring semester.

Chris is a terrific young man.” Herrion said. “We thank him for his contributions to our program over the past two years and wish him all the best in his future.”

Martin appeared in 23 games this season and averaged 3.1 points in 15.1 minutes per game. His minutes were drastically reduced during Conference USA play as he only appeared in eight of 17 contest.

Martin’s exit might not be the Thundering Herd's last. In today’s Huntington Herald Dispatch Chuck Landon reported that rising junior forward Jamir Hanner would transfer along with Martin. In addition to Hanner and Martin, redshirt junior DeAndre Kane is graduating this semester and has the option of turning pro or playing a graduate season at another institution.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Marshall Basketball: Disappointing Season Ends in Disappointing Fashion

Marshall’s basketball season came to a merciful end at Tulsa’s BOK Center last night with a 66-64 loss to Tulane in the first round of the Conference USA Tournament. The Thundering Herd finished its 2012-2013 campaign with a 13-19 overall record and 6-10 mark in league play.

For more on Wednesday’s first round tournament loss follow the links below.


Huntington Herald Dispatch



Charleston Daily Mail



Charleston Gazette


HerdZone.com
                                                        

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Marshall Football: Pro Day & Herd NFL Free Agents

Herd Free Agents
As the NFL enters free agency a number of Marshall alumni are searching for new teams. Here is a list of former Thundering Herd players who are unrestricted free agents.

1) Ahmad Bradshaw, Running Back

After leading the New York Giants in rushing for three straight seasons Ahmad Bradshaw was released in February. Since being selected in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft, Bradshaw has rushed for 4,232 yards and 35 touchdowns, all in New York. Bradshaw has spent the off season recovering from foot surgery. Potential suitors include the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers among others.

2) Doug Legursky, Guard/Center

Doug Legursky was signed as a undrafted free agent by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2007. He worked his way up from a practice squad player to part time starter on the offensive line. It is possible that Legursky could return to Pittsburgh but, he has also been tied to other teams seeking offensive line depth.

3) Byron Leftwich, Quarterback

After starting one game for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2012 Byron Leftwich faces a uncertain offseason. Leftwich has served as a backup quarterback in Pittsburgh for three seasons but the Steelers signed former Toledo QB Bruce Gradkowski yesterday. With Gradkowski in the fold Leftwich's time in the Steel City could be coming to an end.

4) Randy Moss, Wide Receiver

Randy Moss returned to the NFL after a one year layoff and caught 28 passes for 434 yards and three touchdowns with the NFC champion San Francisco 49ers. It is unclear what teams might be interested in the former Heisman Trophy candidates services next season.

5) Chris Crocker, Safety

A 11 year NFL veteran, Chris Crocker was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals before week four and matched his career high with three interceptions in 2012. Crocker could return to the Bengals, a franchise he has five years of experience with or hook up with a team looking for safety help like the Washington Redskins.

Pro Day
Scouts representing 22 NFL franchises arrived at Joan C. Edwards Stadium yesterday morning for Marshall's Pro Day. Seven graduating seniors, wide receiver Aaron Dobson, wide receiver Antavious Wilson, wide receiver Andre Snipes-Booker, running back Martin Ward, safeties Dominick LeGrande and Okechukwu Okoroha, and Devon Arrington participated in drills.

Dobson had a impressive performance, running the 40-yard dash in 4.40 and 4.42 seconds. The Dunbar WV., native was unable to run at the NFL Combine after pulling his hamstring while preparing for the draft in Florida.

Jack Bogaczyk of HerdZone.com has a complete run down of yesterday's events, click here to read.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Marshall Football: Thomas Brown to be Named Running Backs Coach

First reported by the Twitter account of Huntington Herald Dispatch columnist Chuck Landon, Georgia State running backs coach Thomas Brown will be named to the same position at Marshall.

Brown was named to GSU's staff in January after completing his first season as running backs coach at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Prior to Chattanooga Brown served as a graduate assistant in Georgia’s strength a conditioning program. A UGA grad, Brown was a four-year letter winner with the Bulldogs, rushing for 2,646 yards and 23 touchdowns in his career.

Brown was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL draft. After spending 2008 with Atlanta, Brown played one more season with the Cleveland Browns.

With today’s addition Marshall’s coaching staff is set for 2013.

Head Coach – Doc Holliday

Defense
Defensive Coordinator/Secondary – Chuck Heater
Defensive Tackles – J.C. Price
Defensive Ends – Sean Cronin
Linebackers – Adam Fuller

Offense
Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks – Bill Legg
Offensive Line – Alex Mirabal
Running Backs – Thomas Brown
Tight Ends/Recruiting Coordinator – Todd Hartley
Wide Receivers – Mike Furrey

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Marshall Basketball: Herd Earns No. 9 Seed in C-USA Tournament

With yesterday's loss at ECU, Marshall secured the nine seed in next weeks Conference USA men's basketball tournament. The Thundering Herd faces a first round game against eight seed Tulane on Wednesday at 9:30pm ET in Tulsa's BOK Center. Marshall lost its only meeting against the Green Wave, 91-75 in New Orleans earlier this season. If the Thundering Herd can defeat Tulane, number one seed Memphis awaits in the quarterfinals.

All first round games will be broadcast on C-USA's Digital Network (Herd All-Access). The quarterfinals and semi-finals will be shown on the CBS Sports Network with the Championship game shown Saturday on CBS.


Marshall Basketball: Pirates Sink Herd in C-USA Final, 86-79

Playing their final Conference USA regular season game of 2013, Marshall (13-18, 6-10) fell at ECU (18-11, 9-7) 86-79 Saturday night. Senior forward Robert Goff had one of his best games in a Thundering Herd uniform, scoring a career high 27 points while also grabbing six rebounds.

For more on yesterday's game follow the links below.

Box Score

Huntington Herald Dispatch

Herd ends regular season with loss

HerdZone.com

Herd Ends Regular Season with Loss

Charleston Gazette

Bombs-away ECU sinks Herd 86-79

Charleston Daily Mail

Marshall men's basketball: ECU beats Herd 86-79 in regular season finale

The Daily Reflector

Record-Setting win for ECU

Friday, March 8, 2013

Marshall Football: Hartley to be Named Recruiting Coordinator

Earlier today Marshall University running backs coach JaJuan Seider's was named to the same position at West Virginia. Besides coaching the Thundering Herd's running backs, Seider also served as recruiting coordinator.

While Marshall searches for its next running backs coach, a new recruiting coordinator has already been found.The Marshall Thundering Blog has learned that assistant Todd Hartley will add the title of recruiting coordinator.

Hartley was named to Marshall's coaching staff in March of 2011 and has served as safeties coach for the past two seasons. During that time he has been one of the Herd's lead recruiters, securing commitments from class of 2013 prospects Neville Hewitt, Michael Selby, Tiquan Lang, Taj Letman, and Shykeem Pitts.

Beyond the role of recruiting coordinator it is believed that Hartley will shift to the offensive side of the ball and coach tight ends this season.

Marshall Football: Landon Reports Seider’s Hire at WVU

Citing sources, Huntington Herald Dispatch columnist Chuck Landon has learned that Marshall University running backs coach JaJuan Sieder will accept the same position at West Virginia. According to Landon’s source, Seider will be paid $240,000 a year plus additional perks.

A college quarterback, Seider started his playing career at WVU before transferring to Florida A&M. After a brief stint in the NFL and seven years of coaching high school football he returned to the Mountaineers in 2008 as a graduate assistant.

Seider was a inaugural member of head coach Doc Holliday’s first Marshall coaching staff in 2010. One of three remaining members of that staff, Seider also served as the Thundering Herd's recruiting coordinator in addition to his coaching duties. A Florida native, he has been credited with Marshall’s strong recruiting presence in the Sunshine State.

Seider is the seventh assistant to leave the Herd since the season ended in November. 
 

Marshall Football: Spring Practice Tidbits

Yesterday Jack Bogaczyk of HerdZone.com sat down with Marshall head football coach Doc Holliday as the Thundering Herd prepares for spring practice. I suggest you give the full story a read but, we have the highlights below.

1) Spring practice starts on Tuesday, March 26th. The team will practice on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays except Week 1 when Saturday drills are moved to Good Friday. Aprils 27th represents the final day of practice when the Herd conducts its annual Green-White Game.

2) The following defensive players will be limited participants during spring drills, cornerback Keith Baxter, safeties A.J. Leggett and Andre Scott, linebackers Evan McKelvey and Raheem Waiters and lineman James Rouse. Not included on the injury list, cornerback Darryl Roberts who missed all of last year with a right ankle issue.

3) Redshirt freshman A.J. Leggett has moved from corner to safety. He will be joined by sophomore D.J. Hunter who is moving back to safety from linebacker. The Herd has openings at both free and strong safety after the departure of Boston College transfers Dominick LeGrande and Okechukwu Okoroha. Leggett and Hunter will vie for those spots along with returnees Corie Wilson, Shawn Samuels, Scott, and incoming junior college transfers Taj Letman and Neville Hewitt.

4) The following offensive players will be limited during spring practice, lineman Jordan Jefferies and Cameron Dees, tight end Gator Hoskins, and fullback Devon Johnson. Johnson is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, delaying his move to linebacker until August.  

5) Two props from last year’s recruiting class, corner Corey Tindale and linebacker Kent Turene will be eligible for spring drills. Another two, linebacker/rush end Gary Thompson and defensive tackle Josh Brown will not be available until May.  

Thursday, March 7, 2013

*Update* Marshall Football: Seider Maybe Leaving for WVU

*Update*
According to multiple reports WVU is interviewing another candidate for their opening at running backs coach later today and no decision has been made.

*Original Post*
According to CoachScoop.com, Marshall University running backs coach JaJuan Seider is leaving for the same position at West Virginia. Seider was in Morgantown today interviewing with Mountaineers head coach Dana Holgorsen and other staff members.

A college quarterback, Seider started his playing career at WVU before transferring to Florida A&M. After a brief stint in the NFL and seven years of coaching high school football he returned to the Mountaineers in 2008 as a graduate assistant.

The last remaining assistant from Doc Holliday's original coaching staff, Seider also served as the Thundering Herd's recruiting coordinator in addition to his duties at running backs coach. A Florida native, he has been credited for MU's strong recruiting presence in the state.

Seider's impending departure marks the seventh assistant to leave Holiday's staff since the season ended in November.

Marshall Soccer: Withrow Signs Contract With Crew

Former Marshall University goalkeeper Daniel Withrow has signed a contract with the Columbus Crew. Columbus selected Withrow 28th overall in the second round of the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft on January 22nd.  

The Michigan native has been training with the Crew for over a month, beating out Samir Badr for the third spot on Columbus’s goalie depth chart.

Withrow joins Columbus after an illustrious career with the Thundering Herd. He was named Conference USA’s co-defensive player of the year in 2012 and defender of the year in 2010.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Marshall Basketball: Herd Scores Senior Night Win Over Southern Miss

On a night where Marshall (13-16, 7-9) honored seniors Dennis Tinnon, Nigel Spikes, and Robert Goff the Thundering Herd avenged a January 56 point loss to Southern Mississippi (22-8, 11-4) with a 88-84 win in the Cam Henderson Center Tuesday night.

For more on yesterday's game follow the links below.


HerdZone.com



Huntington Herald Dispatch




Charleston Daily Mail



Charleston Gazette



WV Metro News


Hattiesburg American

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Marshall Basketball: Recruiting & Next Year’s Scholarship Limit

Tonight seniors Dennis Tinnon, Nigel Spikes, and Robert Goff play their last game in the Cam Henderson Center as Marshall takes on Southern Miss at 7pm. With the trios departure Thundering Herd head basketball coach Tom Herrion has been busy on the recruiting trail, securing a commitment from junior college guard Justin Edmonds yesterday.

As it currently stands, Marshall has ten returning and four incoming scholarship players for the 2013/2014 season. With a scholarship limit of 13 the Herd is already over the mark. Here is a quick look at next year’s anticipated roster.

Returning
1) DeVince Boykins, SG, RS SO
2) Kareem Canty, PG, FR
3) Jamir Hanner, PF, JR
4) JP Kambola, C, JR
5) DeAndre Kane, SG, SR
6) Tamron Manning, PG/SG, SO
7) Chris Martin, PG/SG, JR
8) Yous Mbao, C, SR
9) D.D. Scaver, SG, SR
10) Elijah Pittman, SF/PF, SR

Incoming
1) Justin Edmonds, SG, JR
2) Shawn Smith, SG, JR
3) Ryan Taylor, SG/SF, FR
4) TyQuane Goard, PF, RS SO

As we have seen in the past, it is possible that some players scheduled to return might leave the program (ex: Aundra Williams, Johnny Thomas, Eladio Esonosa, Xavier Humphery). DeAndre Kane will graduate this semester and he could leave for the professional ranks although, all signs point to his return. Forward Jamir Hanner was left at home during the Herds game at Houston last Saturday. In addition to missing the road trip Hanner has been held out of five other Conference USA contest this year. Given his limited playing time and deep spot in Herrion’s dog house, it would not surprise me if Hanner leaves. Another front court player, JP Kambola has played 51 total minutes during his two year Thundering Herd career. Although he offers impressive size at 6-foot-9, 240 pounds, it might be time for the Canadian big man to find another program.

In addition to being over the scholarship limit Herrion is still on the prowl for additional frontcourt help. One of Edmonds teammates at Owens Community College, 6-foot-8 forward James Kelly, took an official visit to Marshall in October and has a scholarship offer in hand.

Either way it will be interesting to see how Herrion handles his roster after what has been a disappointing season.  
 

Monday, March 4, 2013

Marshall Basketball: JUCO Prospect Justin Edmonds Commits to Herd

According to multiple reports junior college shooting guard Justin Edmonds has verbally committed to Marshall University.

Limited to only 15 games this season at Owens Community College OH., Edmonds averaged 18 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. He also shot 36% (39-108) from three point range and 42% (87-206) from the field. As a freshman Edmonds averaged 18.8 points, four rebounds, and 3.1 assist per game. He was also named a first team all Ohio Community College Athletic Conference selection.

The 6-foot-4 Edmonds will join a crowded backcourt next season that  includes returning players DeVince Boykins, Kareem Canty, DeAndre Kane, Tamron Manning, Chris Martin, D.D. Scarver and former Louisville commitment Ryan Taylor.

Besides Marshall, Edmonds also had scholarship offers from Middle Tennessee State and Albany. As a junior college graduate he will have two years of eligibility left with the Herd.

 For more on the Thundering Herd’s latest commitment follow the links below.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Marshall Basketball: Houston Hits Century Mark in Win Over Herd

Marshall's (12-17, 5-9) road woes continued at Houston Saturday afternoon in a 103-76 loss to the Cougars (16-11, 5-9). The Thundering Herd struggled on defense, allowing Houston to shoot 59% from the floor and 53% from behind the three point line.

For more on yesterday's game follow the links below.

Box Score

Huntington Herald Dispatch

Marshall routed by Houston, 103-76

HerdZone.com

Marshall Losses at Houston, 103-76

Charleston Gazette

Houston hammers Herd 103-76

Charleston Daily Mail

Marshall men's basketball: Houston trounces Herd, 103-76

Houston Chronicle

Thomas, Young pace UH in skid-snapping win over Marshall

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Marshall Football: Waiters has Knee Scoped

First reported by the Twitter account of Charleston Gazette sports reporter Doug Smock, Marshall linebacker Raheem Waiters had his knee scoped and is doubtful for spring practice.

Waiters played in 11 games last year, starting one while recording 21 tackles.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Marshall Football: Notes on Yesterday’s Schedule Changes

Yesterday Conference USA announced that two Marshall football games, at Middle Tennessee and Tulsa, have been moved to Thursday night in order to accommodate national television coverage on a yet to be announced network.

Here is some additional information on how the changes will affect the Thundering Herd.

1) By moving the MTSU game from October 19th to October 24th Marshall picked up five additional days to prepare for the Blue Raiders. The Herd will host its next opponent, Southern Miss on November 2nd, more than a week later.

2) Marshall faces a short week after playing UAB at Joan C. Edwards Stadium on November 2nd before traveling to Tulsa November 9th. The Golden Hurricanes are in a similar position, going to ECU on the 9th before hosting the Herd five days later.

3) November 14th is a important day for everyone connected to Marshall as the university honors the 75 individuals who perished on Southern Airways flight 932, carrying the Thundering Herd’s football team, coaches, and numerous support staff. It is not unprecedented for Marshall to play on November 14th. It last occurred in 2009, the Herd hosted Southern Miss and lost 27-20.

4) As stated by C-USA both games were moved to accommodate national TV coverage. The conference has broadcast agreements with CBS Sports and Fox Sports, expect the game to be carried by one of those providers. Something to keep in mind about Fox, they are launching Fox Sports 1 this summer, it will replace the Speed channel on your TV dial, with a reach of 87 million homes. In contrast, ESPN is in 99 million households. Anyway, don’t be surprised if one of Marshall’s Thursday night games ends up on the new network.