Spring practice impressions

Here’s what we know on the eve of Saturday’s Green-White Game. Mark Cann has separated himself at quarterback, Terrell Edwards is running with power and confidence and Chubb Small simply is a different player at tailback. Speed is noticeably increased on defense and players and coaches appear to be having fun mixing and matching front seven looks. Still, the offensive line has occasionally struggled and quarterback play has been uneven. Placekicker Craig Ratanamorn, meanwhile, has done nothing but impress. What have been your impressions through attending open practices and/or word of mouth?

Upon further review ...

Thinking back on Saturday’s scrimmage and spinning forward toward Sunday’s pivotal scrimmage, the concern level has somewhat dropped. Marshall’s offense wasn’t as bad as it perhaps appeared, nor was the defense as dominant. Quarterbacks and the offensive line absorbed the brunt of criticism, but errant route-running led to several of the defenses numerous sacks. Regardless, it will be interesting to see the offense’s reaction on Sunday. Marshall fans, who or what are you most interested in from this weekend’s scrimmage?

Early spring practice impressions

First off, thanks for the response and my apologies for the belated reply. Here are top-of-the-head thoughts after more than one week of spring practice. Mark Cann gradually is separating himself at quarterback, followed by Brian Anderson and Jonathan Garner. Best wishes obviously are extended to Chris Smith; his scholarship remains intact, by the way. Back to football, Chubb Small has been impressive and Phillip Gamble’s move from safety to weak side linebacker is working well. Speed is noticeably upgraded on defense, while interesting position battles are developing at both offensive tackle spots. I’ve received several questions about tight end Lee Smith; the imposing 6-foot-6 athlete certainly is in the mix and should factor into game plans this season. Feel free to post questions or your impressions from watching practice.

Talking spring practice

It’s hardly hyperbole to state that this is the most pivotal session of spring practices of Mark Snyder’s Marshall football head coaching career. Along with identifying a new starting quarterback, two new coordinators will be introduced. Feel free to think inside and beyond the box, Thundering Herd fans -- what is the No. 1 storyline of Marshall spring practice? Let’s discuss.

Answering Dwight Jones questions

By far the most asked question since Signing Day has centered on Hargrave Military Academy wide receiver Dwight Jones. He's a standout talent no doubt, but he's not on Marshall's recruiting radar as far as I know. It could simply come down to numbers with the Thundering Herd's near overflow of wideouts. Not saying that it won't happen, but I'd be surprised if Jones lands in Huntington.

Few signing day surprises

Signing day played out according to script with each verbal commitment signing. As an added bonus, it was discovered that Martin Ward, an absolute SEC-caliber prospect, should be all set eligibility-wise. Safe to say, Marshall isn't lacking for running backs.

Expect the expected

We’re just hours away from National Signing Day and my best guess is that Marshall fans can rest easy. Marshall has secured a third straight recruiting class long on speed, but with a lessened emphasis on linemen compared to the previous two years. Expect the expected today, with few if any surprises. Especially considering the five junior college recruits already on campus combined with the strong push in the last two weeks, this is another strong class. We’ll discuss at length over the next few days.