So much news, such little time

It’s been a few days since the last blog, and the reason is simple – there’s too much going on. Between Marshall’s final preparations for West Virginia, the dismissal of charges against Geremy Rodamer and Hiram Moore’s arrest, it’s been busy times within Marshall football. The newest news focuses on Zearrick Mathews’ strong push toward a starting cornerback spot opposite J.J. Johnson and Jimmy Skinner’s narrow nod over Derek Devine for the backup quarterback job. Also, Moore’s suspension, combined with Shawn Lauzon’s season-ending injury, has upped the workload of Marshall’s four first-year receivers. Look for at least one of the foursome to receive snaps Saturday at WVU.

Starting O-line starting to work together

Following two weeks of patchwork lineups, Marshall’s actual first-team offensive line worked together in full pads for the first time on Tuesday. If healthy, this should be the most productive unit in at least three seasons. Brian Leggett moves like a fullback at guard and center Doug Legursky gradually is working back from a sprained ankle. The Herd is fine at skill positions, leaving it to the line to produce. Fortunately for the offense, this group has nearly two weeks to develop chemistry.

Marshall scrimmage: A true underdog story

Members of the White team might have earned Green team honors with their showing at Saturday’s scrimmage. The practice, set up as a varsity (Green) vs. scout team (White), was controlled by the backups, who ran the ball and shut down the run. For perspective, coach Mark Snyder limited the play-calling and schemes of his first and second teams while turning loose the White team. Still, individuals such as defensive tackle Michael Janac and defensive back Phillip Gamble took considerable strides in making the travel squad.

Health highlights Herd concerns

Marshall hasn’t suffered “the big one” on the injury front, but nagging physical ailments are mounting. Ten of 11 players who sat out Monday’s practices were back Tuesday, but their action was limited. Most concerning is the offensive line, where the starting unit has not participated in live action together for a single snap. Snyder hopes to have pretty much the entire team, including injured linemen David Ziegler and Wesley Jones, back in action by Monday.

Pair of scrimmages highlight week

Marshall enters a heavy evaluation phase this week with a pair of scrimmages. A special teams-only scrimmage will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, followed by a more conventional scrimmage on Saturday, beginning at 12:30 p.m. (the Saturday workout is open to the public). Ian O’Connor and Marty Biagi are locked in a tight battle for punting duties and about 10 players will have a chance to make impressions Wednesday as kickoff and punt returners. The group includes Kelvin Turner, Ashton Hall, Emmanuel Spann and C.J. Spillman, if his knee is ready.

First-year players on the rise

Newcomers are beginning to separate themselves from other first-year players. Linebacker Josh Johnson and tight end Cody Slate obviously won’t be fitted for redshirts this year but others, including wide receivers William Barber and Travius Thompson and cornerback Ashton Hall, are securing playing time as well. For more, check out Monday’s column in The Herald-Dispatch.

Opening scrimmage highly competitive

Marshall’s first full scrimmage opened on a disturbing note when running back Ahmad Bradshaw suffered a sprained right ankle on the opening series. The Thundering Herd’s top offensive threat was sidelined for the remainder of Saturday’s practice, but the injury isn’t considered serious. Quarterback Bernard Morris, meanwhile, was confident in the huddle, connecting on several downfield passes, including a 22-yard touchdown to E.J. Wynn. Overall, the defense won the scrimmage, 69-64, but the offense more than held its own especially considering the loss of Bradshaw and three offensive linemen. Free safety Geremy Rodamer was the defensive standout, returning the first of his two interceptions 102 yards for a touchdown.

Laughing it up at Edwards Stadium

Here’s a casual but telling observation from Marshall’s preseason football camp. Several times coaches and players have been spotted joking and laughing during drills, a scene that rarely (if ever) played out last August. Players and coaches clearly are more comfortable with each other following a full year together. What that translates to will unveil Saturday during the team’s first full scrimmage. Check out this blog Saturday afternoon for a scrimmage report.

Johnson making his move

Josh Johnson gradually is working his way into Marshall’s defensive lineup. The Herd’s most physically-imposing linebacker worked extensively with the first team defense during Wednesday afternoon’s practice. The 6-foot-3, 255-pound sophomore shared snaps with Brandon Souder in the middle. Other news of note included John Inman’s move to left guard, where starter David Ziegler is sidelined with a sore shoulder. Inman, who started the final seven games of last season at right guard, has been backing up Brian Leggett on the right side.

Morris, Thompson impressing early

Through just three practices, several storylines already are developing at Marshall’s preseason football camp. Quarterback Bernard Morris hasn’t just transformed physically -- adding 10 pounds of muscle – he’s also much more confident as the clear starter. Also, true freshman Travius Thompson is quickly practicing his way out of a redshirt season. He’s the most impressive of the Herd’s new wideouts, with William Barber running second. Two primary question marks remain at right tackle on offense and at the cornerback slot opposite J.J. Johnson. Tuesday’s 3:20 p.m. practice, the first in full pads (and open to the public), will be telling.

Early, early thoughts on Marshall practice

Marshall football fans now have their fix with practice opening on Thursday under brutally hot conditions. Here are some quick impressions on Thundering Herd football (disclaimer: pretty much everyone looks good in jerseys and shorts; the real test comes Tuesday with full pads). Of the new wide receivers, Tavarius Thompson was most impressive. He combines size and speed and provided a highlight Thursday with a tip-toe reception on the sideline. Emmanuel Spann, back from knee surgery, was much faster than expected. True freshman quarterback Brian Anderson displayed sound body control on rollouts and a strong arm. Overall, this was a good workout, especially considering the 100-plus degree conditions on the field.

They're only juniors?

Unsolicited praise directed toward Marshall was heard often during Tuesday’s Conference USA Football Media Day in Dallas. Coaches and officials from opposing programs were especially impressed that the Thundering Herd’s two player representatives, running back Ahmad Bradshaw and Doug Legursky, are juniors. Still, it’s the general consensus that C-USA’s East Division title is Central Florida’s to win. UCF shocked conference rivals with last season’s divisional title after a winless 2004 run, and this team should be improved. “We only lose five guys who were productive players that even made a tackle or made a block or ran the ball or caught the ball,” UCF coach George O’Leary said. “We’re only going to get better when we get better two-deep and get some depth.” Yes, the Golden Knights are the favorites, but the East Division is wide open.