Herd hungry to return to championship form

HUNTINGTON -- In a grand understatement, Marshall University's preseason football practice was eventful.

From Day 1, the increase in talent via 2007's recruiting class was evident.

It was clear early on that newcomers such as tailback Darius Marshall, offensive linemen Branden Curry and C.J. Wood, linebackers Antwan Booker and Mario Harvey and defensive linemen Montel Glasco, Shane Moore and Johnny Jones would push veterans for playing time.

As for the established, the Thundering Herd lost its marquee player early when Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year Albert McClellan was lost for the season. The junior defensive end, who recently underwent successful surgery on his injured right knee, led C-USA with 11 sacks and 19 tackles for loss last season.

In what was a theme during preseason practice, disappointment translated to opportunity. Heralded redshirt freshman defensive end Michael Janac, an imposing
6-foot-5, 270-pound pass rusher, no longer had to worry himself with talk of potential; his opportunity is now.

"I was going 100 percent; now you have to go 200 percent," Janac said. "You have to go even harder."

Anthony Binswanger literally doubled his workload when the senior placekicker assumed punting duties. Junior Marty Biagi is scheduled for a mid-to-late September return, but Binswanger will punt in his place through at least two games.

Starting cornerback Zearrick Matthews is out with a broken arm, and four returning or potential starting offensive linemen were sidelined during preseason camp.

Yes, Marshall's injury woes were a bit over the top in August, but virtually every college football program in America battles injuries during two-a-days. In a shift from recent Thundering Herd history, depth has distanced players, coaches and fans from the panic button.

"Kids are resilient and they know we're going to be fine," third-year Marshall head coach Mark Snyder said. "These are opportunities for some young kids to step up and have some playing time.

"I think they're excited."

Excitement shouldn't lack throughout the 2007 season. In any season, an opener at perennial national power Miami would highlight a Herd schedule. Saturday's anticipated matchup with the Hurricanes is followed by a Mountain State event when Marshall hosts nationally-ranked West Virginia for the first time in modern history.

Repeating perspective on repeated preseason injuries, Snyder views the daunting early schedule as an opportunity.

"Schedules like that can make for a special season," Snyder said. "We're going to find out a lot about our team in a hurry."

Specifically, the summer-long quarterback question should be answered.

Senior Bernard Morris, a two-year, part-time returning starter, shared August snaps with redshirt freshman Brian Anderson. Expect Morris, who threw for 1,346 yards and eight touchdowns against 12 interceptions last season, to start, but Anderson likely will play early, as well.

After two seasons of riding tailback Ahmad Bradshaw, Marshall's offense will be predicated on the passing game. Of Snyder's numerous promising newcomers, wide receiver Darius Passmore heads the class. The speedy 6-3, 180-pound junior college transfer looks the part of Marshall's next playmaking receiver.

He'll be joined by another deep threat, sophomore Courtney Edmonson, and versatile junior Emmanuel Spann. Tight end Cody Slate earned Freshman All America honors after leading the Herd in receptions (43), receiving yards (684) and touchdown catches (six); still, he'll share time with senior Brian Shope, who caught virtually everything thrown to him this preseason, and 6-6 Tennessee transfer Lee Smith.

"Our receivers are definitely going to be our strength," Slate said. "We have speed and depth. Bernard has improved a lot since I've been here, and he really took charge this summer."

Juniors Chubb Small and Kelvin Turner will share handoffs with Darius Marshall, whose physical running style delivered an immediate impression.

"Of all the newcomers, I'd have to say Darius Marshall has stood out the most," Morris said.

Defensively, fans can expect diversity. Veteran defensive coordinator Steve Dunlap and Snyder share philosophies, pressuring opponents from three- and four-player fronts.

Middle linebacker Josh Johnson is steered toward a breakout season, along with Janac. Questions remain, however, in the secondary.

Bottom line, earning a bowl bid following a two-year absence is the goal.

Recruiting and discipline have the program steered in the correct direction, but all involved are hungry for a return to championship form.

"We know we have the talent to believe and come together. The first two games, we're going to find.

[More at www.herald-dispatch.com]