2007 Marshall Thundering Herd football preview

Marshall Thundering Herd

2006 Record: (5-7, 4-4 C-USA)
Coach: Mark Snyder (9-14 at Marshall, 9-14 overall)

Starters Returning: 16 (8 offense, 7 defense, 1 specialist)

Offensive Starters Lost: RB Ahmad Bradshaw, OL Seth Cook, OL Wesley Jones

Offensive Starters Returning: QB Bernard Morris, FB Will Albin, WR Marcus Fitzgerald, WR Emmanuel Spann, TE Brian Shope, OL Brian Leggett, OL Doug Legursky, OL David Ziegler

Defensive Starters Lost: DT Juan Underwood, DE Shavar Greer, LB Matt Couch, S Curtis Keyes

Defensive Starters Returning: DT Byron Tinker, DE Albert McClellan, LB Ian Hoskins, LB Josh Johnson, CB J.J. Johnson, CB Zearrick Matthews, S C.J. Spillman

Starting Specialists Lost: P Ian O’Connor

Starting Specialists Returning: K Anthony Binswanger

Coming off of a decent campaign in 2006 and with the return of 16 starters, the Thundering Herd will be looking to separate themselves from the middle of the C-USA pack. However, the early departure of running back Ahmad Bradshaw quells much of the enthusiasm heading into the season.

2007 Marshall Offense:

Bradshaw surprised many by entering the NFL Draft after his junior campaign, only to be drafted in the seventh round. Chubb Small, who rushed 42 times for 193 yards last season, has the most experience. Kelvin Turner only rushed five times last year and there will be plenty of competition from underclassmen for carries. With the return of the interior trio of the offensive line, led by center Doug Legursky, the running attack will at least be serviceable.

Bernard Morris was the starting quarterback last year, but the loss of Jimmy Skinner will leave some questions under center. Skinner only threw for 878 yards, but tallied eight touchdowns and just four interceptions. Morris, on the other hand, equaled the eight touchdown mark, but threw a lofty 12 interceptions. Morris is a quality rusher, but will have to improve on his passing if he wants to keep the starting gig. Sophomore Wesley Beardain and redshirt freshman Brian Anderson are waiting in the wings.

2007 Marshall Defense:

The return of Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year Albert McClellan is great news, but with new defensive coordinator Steve Dunlap on board, the defensive end should be even better this year. Tackle Byron Tinker returns as well, but the unit will need to find some more help from Ryland Wilson, John Jacobs and others looking to make an impact on the front four.

Despite the departure of Matt Couch, the linebackers, led by Josh Johnson and Ian Hoskins, form a quality linebacker corps. Yet it is the secondary that may end up being the strong point of the Marshall defense. With the speed of the unit, the new defensive philosophy will depend on the secondary to cover man-to-man. Corners J.J. Johnson and Zearrick Matthews have a year of experience under their belt and free safety C.J. Spillman is ready to take over the leadership role left by the departed Curtis Keyes. Replacing Keyes’ production is the main concern, but the Herd have options in juniors Phillip Gamble and Jon Moravec.

The Bottom Line for the Thundering Herd:

The defense will be better, but the offense needs to find a little more production. Wide receivers Emmanuel Spann, Marcus Fitzgerald and Courtney Edmonson have speed and talent and will make it easier for the quarterback to be productive. Darius Passmore, a junior college transfer, might be the quickest and most talented of them all and is expected to make a big impact his first year with Marshall. Yet, it is tight end Cody Slate who led the team in receptions and yards last year and will likely do so this year too.