Bembry commits, Footman favors Herd

Marshall earned a big recruiting “get” on Monday, securing a verbal commitment from cornerback Dequan Bembry. The three-star standout from Hawkinsville High School (Ga.) could compete for immediate playing time. Among the more lingering questions during Marshall’s recruiting season, meanwhile, has been the status of Justin Footman. The talented defensive back from Lincoln High School (Fla.) committed to the Herd early, but then reopened his recruitment. On Monday, Footman said he’ll announce his decision on the Feb. 7 signing day. It’s down to Marshall and Florida State, but Footman offered encouraging words for Herd fans. “Marshall’s on top right now,” he said.

MU recruiting turns defensive

Barring the offensive equivalent of a Josh Johnson landing in Marshall’s lap at the 11th hour, expect the Thundering Herd’s two or three remaining scholarships (depending on grayshirts, academic qualifiers, etc.) to be used toward defense. Cornerback Dequan Bembry could commit on Monday, meaning Thundering Herd coaches likely would focus on the defensive line leading to the Feb. 7 signing day.

Marshall University football’s strong recruiting push continued Tuesday with the verbal commitments of offensive lineman C.J. Wood and linebacker Corey Hart. Wood is rated as the nation’s No. 51 offensive tackle prospect by www.scout.com. The 6-foot-4, 275-pound lineman from Gainesville High School (Ga.) has been offered by Auburn, Georgia and East Carolina. Hart, a 6-2, 205-pound outside linebacker from Loachapoke H.S. (Ala.), also has drawn interest from numerous BCS programs, including Alabama, Auburn and Mississippi. He joins high school teammate Franchez Pitts in Marshall’s prospective recruiting class of 2007. Marshall now has 15 commitments toward this year’s recruiting class. Joining Hart and Wood in the prospective recruiting Class of 2007 are quarterbacks Chris Smith (South Point H.S) and Mark Cann (Landrum H.S., S.C.), offensive linemen Micah Carter (Beckley H.S.), John Bruhin (Powell H.S., Tenn.) and Sergio Glenn (North Forsyth H.S., N.C.), defensive tackles Shane Moore (Northeast Guilford H.S., N.C.), and Johnny Jones (Clewiston H.S., Fla.), running backs Terrell Edwards (UMS-Wright Prep School, Ala.) and Darius Marshall (Baldwin H.S., Ga.), linebacker Kellen Harris (Sharon H.S., Pa.), defensive end Vinny Curry (Harmony Prep, Ohio) and strong safety Franchez Pitts (Loachapoka H.S., Ala.). Junior college defensive tackle Montel Glasco signed with the Herd in December. Herd fans, what are your thoughts on the recruiting class thus far?

Curry, Glenn commit to Herd

Curry, an athletic defensive end from Harmony Prep School in Cincinnati, committed to the Thundering Herd on Saturday. Glenn, a massive, 6-foot-6, 325-pound offensive tackle from North Forsyth High School (N.C.) committed following his visit on Sunday.
Marshall now has 13 commitments toward this year’s recruiting class. Joining Curry and Glenn in the prospective recruiting Class of 2007 are quarterbacks Chris Smith (South Point H.S) and Mark Cann (Landrum H.S., S.C.), offensive linemen Micah Carter (Beckley H.S.) and John Bruhin (Powell H.S., Tenn.), defensive back Justin Footman (Lincoln H.S., Fla.), defensive tackles Shane Moore (Northeast Guilford H.S., N.C.), and Johnny Jones (Clewiston H.S., Fla.), running backs Terrell Edwards (UMS-Wright Prep School, Ala.) and Darius Marshall (Baldwin H.S., Ga.) and strong safety Franchez Pitts (Loachapoka H.S., Ala.). Junior college defensive tackle Montel Glasco signed with the Herd in December.

Marshall commits to Marshall

Another day, another verbal commitment. Not to say, however, that Darius Marshall is merely an everyday prospect. After rushing for more than 2,300 yards and 28 touchdowns last season in eight games, Marshall was ranked as the nation’s No. 59 running back prospect and Georgia’s No. 49 prospect overall. The Thundering Herd has gotten healthy in a hurry at tailback since Ahmad Bradshaw announced he would exit early for the NFL. Terrell Edwards, who committed earlier this week, is ranked just one spot behind Marshall in the national rankings.

DT Jones commits to Herd

Marshall is enjoying a breakout week of recruiting. First came defensive tackle Shane Moore’s confirmed verbal commitment on Sunday. Tuesday night, 6-foot-2, 210-pound running Terrell Edwards joined the tentative Class of 2007. On Wednesday, Johnny Jones committed to the Thundering Herd. Jones, a 6-5, 250-pound defensive tackle from Clewiston High School (Fla.), could represent a significant steal. Jones chose Marshall over at least seven additional scholarship offers.

Edwards commitment a potential huge coup

Terrell Edwards, a physical running back from Mobile, Ala., targeted by several SEC schools, could formalize his verbal commitment to Marshall as early as Tuesday evening. Especially considering Ahmad Bradshaw's decision to enter the NFL draft, adding the 6-foot-2, 210-pound runner represents a needed boost to this year's recruiting class.

Marshall looking to bulk up in middle

How about this for filling position needs? Of the 33 football prospects scheduled to make official visits to Marshall University during the next four weekends, 28 are defensive linemen, offensive linemen or defensive backs. The trend begins this weekend with six defensive linemen visiting. Defensive tackle Shane Moore is expected to formalize his commitment to the Thundering Herd; other top prospects include fellow tackles Curtis Byrant and Kevin Cyrille and defensive end Cory Hall.

Recruiting enters stretch run

In an odd way, January is one of my favorite months of the college football calendar. Tracking recruiting is a welcome change of pace from the actual season, and this month represents the stretch run. Approximately 30 prospects are expected to make official visits to Marshall this month, including highly-touted cornerbacks Otis Merrill (Glenville H.S., Ohio) and Moses Jenkins (Boyd Anderson H.S, Fla.) and standout offensive lineman C.J. Wood (Gainesville H.S., Ga.). Feel free to visit this blog throughout the month for commitment and visiting updates.

Recruiting, d-coordinator notes

Recruiting season returns this weekend with numerous high school and junior college prospects visiting Marshall’s campus. Priorities remain on both sides of the line, a healthy amount of skill position players will visit campus as well. As for a new defensive coordinator, head coach Mark Snyder has begun the process, but will not rush the decision. He has quality recruiters to handle this season’s class and is more concerned with hiring an experienced game-day play-caller.