Priorities, priorities

Yes, Marshall literally is locked in a dead period of recruiting through the New Year, but that shouldn’t stop fans and media from speculating toward the stretch run. What, in your opinion, are the top immediate and long-term priorities for Marshall’s coaching staff entering the final month of recruiting? My two cents lean toward defensive tackles in the short term (i.e. JUCOs) and offensive linemen and defensive backs down the road. A top junior college DT was snatched from Marshall at the last second, but the position remains a target entering January. Feel free to share your thoughts.

Encouraging news on the academic front

Once college football recruits are lost to academic issues, comebacks are rare. It appears, however, that several academic casualties from Marshall’s 2006 class are on track for 2007 eligibility. Wide receiver Darius Passmore, most prominent among the fivesome, secured his eligibility this semester at the College of the Sequoias. Also in line to join the Thundering Herd next season are fellow wideout Travius Thompson, linebackers Antwan Booker and Mario Harvey and cornerback Aaron Johnson. It’s not a stretch to write that each could make an impact next season.

Commitments expected, attrition limited

At least one verbal commitment is likely this week and a second could come by this weekend. Defense is the current focus, and a high school tackle and a junior college cornerback could join the prospective recruiting Class of 2007 this week. The defensive slant continues this weekend with the official visit of junior college tackle Serge Elizee. In another encouraging sign for Mark Snyder’s coaching staff, limited attrition is expected from the returning roster. Each player from last season’s two-deep returning roster should report for spring practice.

LB Harris commits to Herd

Kellen Harris clearly is Mark Snyder’s type of player. The Pennsylvania high school linebacker adds Marshall’s football coach speed and a physical edge to this season’s prospective recruiting class. The Sharon High School senior is Marshall’s eighth verbal commitment and second from Pennsylvania in less than a week. Expect at least one more commitment, likely on the defensive side, later this week. Also, those buying into the John David Weed rumors (Weed is a junior college quarterback) can sell their stock. Marshall appears finished in its recruitment of quarterbacks.

DT Glasco fills huge void

In just about every way, Montel Glasco is an ideal fit for Marshall’s football team. The junior college defensive tackle, who verbally committed to the Herd on Thursday, will join the team for spring practice. At 6-foot-3 and 279 pounds, he’s physically ready to play immediately at the position where Marshall is most lacking depth. He totaled three sacks last season at Lackawanna College (Pa.), but will be counted on primarily to help stuff the run.