Monday, August 31, 2009

Opponent Watch

Leading up to game day the Marshall Thundering Blog will be highlighting articles about that weeks opponent. Marshalls first game is at home against Southern Illinois. The Salukis hosted their final scrimmage before taking on Marshall late last week. Read about it here from TheSouthern.com writer Todd Hefferman:

http://thesouthern.com/articles/2009/08/28/sports/29328268.txt

Ready for action: Salukis host final scrimmage

By Todd Hefferman, The Southern
Friday, August 28, 2009 2:34 PM CDT

CARBONDALE - The burst, and the shimmy, were officially back for Deji Karim on Thursday night at McAndrew Stadium.


One came before the other in the final scrimmage of the preseason for Southern Illinois University. Karim, a 5-foot-11, 200-pound fifth-year senior, lost two defenders with a spin move to his left on one carry, then bolted through a hole on the left side for a 26-yard gain. It was the longest play from scrimmage in SIU's 69-play exhibition in front of nearly 1,000 fans.

"A lot of the other guys were saying it felt like a scrimmage, but to me, it felt like a game, because I hadn't been out there," said Karim, who carried the football for the first time since 2007. "I haven't been out here for awhile, and I'm loving every bit of it."

Karim finished with 37 yards on four carries in his first action since partially tearing his right patella in the summer of 2008. He redshirted last season and is expected to share carries with projected starter Richard White this season.

White was held out of Thursday's scrimmage as he continues to recover from a turf toe injury. He was the Salukis' second-leading rusher last season behind Larry Warner and is expected to be ready for SIU's opener Sept. 5 at Marshall.

Karim led the Salukis with eight rushing touchdowns in 2007 and had nine carries of 10 or more yards. In his first action in front of fans in nearly two years, he showed the ability to have a few more big plays.

"That was a positive with the run game, was Deji Karim stepped up today, and, in fact, the one big run, he had two guys come free in the backfield, and he made 'em both miss, and he did that on his own," SIU coach Dale Lennon said. "I'm excited that he's at 100 percent right now. He's ready for the season."SIU now turns its attention to the Thundering Herd.

"Right now, the only way we'll get any better is if we play another team, so, that's why we're happy the fall is done with, and it's game week," Lennon said.

Marshall in the NFL

Week three of the pre-season is in the books for most NFL teams. Here is an update on how your favorite Marshall athletes performed last week.

Doug Legursky, C, Pittsburgh Steelers

Can’t find any thing about Legursky’s performance in the Steelers 17 – 0 win over Buffalo. Legursky figures to get plenty of playing time in Pittsburgh’s last pre-season game against Carolina as he battles for a roster spot.

Randy Moss, WR, New England Patriots

Actually got to see Moss play live for the first time during New England’s 27 – 24 win over Washington. Moss was dominate, schooling Redskin defensive backs DeAngelo Hall and LeRon Landry for separate touchdown receptions. Moss’s line for the night, six catches for 90 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Chris Hanson, P, New England Patriots

Had four punts for an average of 43.3 yards, put three kicks inside the twenty.

Chris Massey, LS, St. Louis Rams

No news is good news for the Rams long snapper. I did find an article about new St. Louis coach Steve Spagnuolo which included this Massey quote “"Some people are like: 'Why's he worrying about that?'" long snapper Chris Massey said. "But it's good, because the little things and all the small details he keeps preaching to us are going to pay off in the long run." Read the whole article here from St. Louis Dispatch writer Jim Thomas:
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/rams/story/78EC62118AA75F9786257620007AE818?OpenDocument

Chris Crocker, S, Cincinnati Bengals

Did not play in the Bengals 24 – 21 victory over St. Louis while nursing a hamstring injury.

Jason Raider, TE, Atlanta Falcons

For the third week in a row Raider did not get a catch although, he did survive the Falcons first roster cut down.

Byron Leftwich, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Was named the week one starter by Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris. In Tampa Bay’s 10 – 6 loss to Miami Leftwich attempted 17 passes while completing 9 of them for 100, no touchdowns or interceptions.

C.J Spillman, S, San Diego Chargers

Did not register a tackle in San Diego’s 24 - 27 loss to Atlanta but according to Kevin Acee at the San Diego Union Tribune Spillman is making a strong case for a roster spot: http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/aug/28/atlanta-8212-chargers/?chargers

Meanwhile, there appears an abundance of safeties.

Undrafted free agent C.J. Spillman, who might have been the Chargers' pick in the sixth round if Kevin Ellison had not been available, has been making plays. Coaches believe he deserves a spot on the roster, but there might not be room.

“There are some things I'm really interested in seeing in the next two weeks,” Turner said.
“There are some guys who have gotten to play a fair amount of snaps who are going to get to play a whole lot more snaps that will make a determination how much they play on special teams, as backup guys or if they make the football team.”

John Wade, C, Oakland Raiders

Has been out with a stinger for a number of weeks while his competition to start, Samson Satele, has been struggling.

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, New York Giants

Lead all Giants rushers with 47 yards on 8 carries in New York’s 25 – 27 loss to the Jets. Average 5.9 yards per run.

Chad Pennington, QB, Miami Dolphins

Was very productive in Miami’s 10 – 6 win over Tampa Bay completing 9 of 16 passes for 128 yards and one touchdown.

Game Week!


Leftwich wins Bucs QB battle over McCown

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j-EVAk09QTiDxshUDWNaAhEPei2wD9ACQKO00

By FRED GOODALL (AP) – 1 day ago

TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay's extended quarterback derby is over. Byron Leftwich will start the regular-season opener against the Dallas Cowboys.

Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris selected the seventh-year pro over Luke McCown on Saturday, saying Leftwich held an edge going into training camp and retained it with steady — if unspectacular — play through three preseason games.

"I'm very excited. When I get home I'll probably scream and let all my emotions out," said Leftwich, who's with his third NFL club since being unceremoniously dumped as Jacksonville's starter two summers ago.

"To work my tail off to get back to this point again — to be a starter week one — is what I wanted, and I'm going to take full advantage of it."
Morris had hoped to decide between Leftwich and McCown, a career backup, before the third preseason game.

The first-year coach extended the competition after McCown closed the gap with a stronger performance in the second game. Although neither quarterback sparkled in Thursday's 10-6 loss to Miami, Leftwich did enough to win the job.

"We're going to run the ball. We want to be a heavy play-action team. That kind of fits the mold of what he does — play action, throwing the ball down the field, trying to generate big plays," Morris said.

"That's what he showed he can do in the preseason. ... That's what he's shown in the offseason — having a big-time arm to throw it down the field consistently."
A first-round draft pick by the Jaguars in 2003, Leftwich is 24-22 as a starter. He started two games in Atlanta after being released by Jacksonville late in training camp two years ago, then won a Super Bowl ring as Ben Roethlisberger's backup in Pittsburgh last season.
The oft-injured Leftwich, who's thrown for 9,624 yards and 54 touchdowns in six pro seasons, never gave up hope on becoming a starter again.

He signed with Tampa Bay as a free agent in April and immediately established a strong presence in the locker room, as well as on the practice field.
"I've been a quarterback my whole life. I think I understand what it takes to play the quarterback position. I think I understand the game well enough to always give my team a chance to win games," Leftwich said.

"Every leader has got to be able to make plays. That's what it ultimately comes down to. I believe those guys saw me make enough plays in the games, and throughout OTAs and training camp, that they respect and believe I can get the job done."
McCown, 1-6 as a starter in five seasons with Cleveland and Tampa Bay, felt he had the best training camp of his career. Though disappointed with the decision, he pledged to do everything he can as a backup to help Leftwich be successful.

"That's the role I'm asked to play right now," McCown said. "I don't have to agree with it. But for as long as I'll be a Buccaneer, I'm going to do everything I can to help this organization win. That's my focus."

There has been speculation the loser of the race might be traded. McCown made it clear his wish is to remain with the Bucs, who are grooming first-round draft pick Josh Freeman as the quarterback of the future.

Morris likes second-year pro Josh Johnson, too, and raised the possibility Saturday of carrying four quarterbacks into the regular season.
"I'm going to keep the best players on this team," he said. "I've been saying that from the beginning. I'm going to keep the best 53.

"Josh Johnson's showed a lot savvy, a lot of poise. If Freeman is going to be your leader of this football team, you want to have a young guy like Josh around. ... Is he one of my best 53? Probably."

Morris said the starter's selection was based on the body of work Leftwich compiled beginning with offseason workouts, rather than anything McCown didn't do. He insisted he would have been comfortable with either player winding up No. 1.

"We saw an aggressive Luke McCown throughout this camp," Morris said. "The guys used to pick with him all the time, called him `Checkdown McCown.' And he wasn't that. He was far from that. He was a competitor. He took calculated chances and he had some success doing that."
The coach shrugged off a question about how committed he might be to Leftwich, considering the close competition for the starting job and the fact that Freeman is waiting in the wings, too.

"I'm not going to sit here and talk about failure with a man we just picked today," Morris said. "I've got to give him a chance. I've got to believe in him."

Today's Marshall Sports News 8/31

From the West Virginia Gazette, History says Herd could be in for tough test

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908300482

From the Charleston Daily Mail, MU women's soccer team wins Duquesne tourney

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/OtherMarshallSports/200908310039

From the Herald Dispatch, Freshmen players adjusting to college football, classes

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x265521293/Getting-acclimated

From the Herald Dispatch, Q&A with Mike Hamrick

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x265521007/MUs-new-athletic-director-discusses-coming-home-his-vision-for-sports-programs

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall women's soccer wins Duquesne Classic

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x265521295/Marshall-womens-soccer-wins-Duquesne-Classic

Friday, August 28, 2009

Raheem Waiters

Marshall verbal commitment Raheem Waiters and the Riverside High School Cougars defeated Capitol High School last night 34 – 19 in the Star Federal Credit Union Kickoff Classic. Read about it game here http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/200908271046 from Charleston Gazette writer Rick Ryan. On Waiters lone touchdown of the night he hauled in a pass from quarterback Seth Shanklin and split two Capitol defenders for a 67 yard score.

Waiters one of Marshall’s first verbal commitments for 2010, is a 6,2 senior wide receiver for Riverside. During his junior season Waiters caught for 716 yards and eight touchdowns.

Today's Marshall Sports News 8/28

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Huntington's Crawford adjusting to life at Marshall

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908271004

From the Herald Dispatch, Hanshew: Marshall team simulates game day

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x265519808/Marshall-team-simulates-what-theyll-face-on-game-day

From the Herald Dispatch, MU women set volleyball season

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x265519810/Team-feeling-heat-of-Gullickson-Hall

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd volleyball schedule

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x265519812/No-Headline

From the Herald Dispatch, Taylor fits Herd as backup QB

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x265519806/Transfer-QB-suits-Herd-as-backup

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Afternoon Update


Chad vs. Byron

With two of Marshall’s most prominent NFL alumni squaring off tonight I decided to pull together different articles about the Dolphins and Buccaneers quarterbacks.

In Tampa Byron Leftwich is fighting with fellow veteran Luke McCown and rookie Josh Freeman for the starting role. Byron started the Bucs last pre-season game and will get the starting nod against Miami. Rumors have been swirling that either McCown or Lefwich will be trade if they do not win the starting quarterback role. In Tampa’s first two pre-season games Lefwich has thrown 26 passes, completing 12 of them for 124 yards and one touchdown to no interceptions. At the same time McCown has thrown for 70 yards on 17 attempts and 10 completions, tossing 2 touchdowns to no interceptions.

Things are much more clear cut in Miami where Chad Pennington is the unquestioned starter and leader of the Dolphins. After winning the comeback player of the year award in 2008 Pennington again looks to lead Miami into the playoffs. For the pre-season Pennington has thrown one touchdown to no interceptions on 18 attempts and 12 completions for 143 yards.

Here are a few articles about the Chad and Byron leading into tonight’s game:

From the St. Petersburg Times, Raising Byron Leftwich

http://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/article1021779.ece

From Yahoo! Sports, Byron Leftwich appears to be starting quarterback in Tampa

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/rumors/post/Byron-Leftwich-appears-to-be-starting-quarterbac?urn=nfl,185460

From the Sarasota Herald Tribune, Bucs willing to make a deal

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090827/ARTICLE/908271069/2050/SPORTS?Title=Bucs-willing-to-make-a-deal

From the Palm Beach Post, Chad Pennington will play more than a half at Tampa Bay….

http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/thedailydolphin/2009/08/25/qb-chad-pennington-will-play-more-than-a-half-at-tampa-bay/

From the New York Times, Healthy Pennington Shows Strong Arm

http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/02/healthy-pennington-shows-strong-arm/

From Yahoo! Sports, Dolphins’ Pennington has tunnel vision

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-dolphinscamp082109&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Today's Marshall Sports News 8/27

From the Charleston Gazette, Marshall notebook: Scout-team duty part of freshman experience

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908261069

From the Charleston Gazette, Herd defensive line coach has high hopes for his deep unit

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908261073

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall women's tennis players honored

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908260798

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Anderson makes impression in two-a-days

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908121137

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Eyes on running backs at Marshall

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908270012

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall football on WSAZ a good idea

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908270027

From the Herald Dispatch, Women's soccer team in Pittsburgh to play Duquesne

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x265519282/Womens-soccer-team-in-Pittsburgh-to-play-Duquesne

From the Herald Dispatch, Landon: California cousins are teaming up for Marshall

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x265519290/California-cousins-are-teaming-up-for-Marshall

From the Herald Dispatch, Hanshew: Snyder agrees with NCAA-mandated pregame handshake

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x265519296/Snyder-agrees-with-NCAA-mandated-pregame-handshake

From the Herald Dispatch, Week 11: SMU

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x265519300/Jones-sees-turnaround-coming-at-SMU

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd return men ready

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x265519294/Return-men-ready

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Afternoon Update

Marshall Defeats IUPUI 3-1 in Final Exhibition Game of the Season

http://herdzone.cstv.com/sports/m-soccer/recaps/082509aab.html

CINCINNATI, Ohio - A pair of second half goals by Fayanga Katai (Roanoke, Va.) and Sammy Boateng (Accra, Ghana) propelled the Marshall Thundering Herd to a 3-1 victory over IUPUI in their final exhibition match of the 2009 season.

Freshman Zack Hunter (Marietta, Ga.) netted the Herd's first goal of the year as his diving header found the back of the net in the 44th minute. Fellow freshman David Lipinsky (Hudson, Ohio) provided the cross with his left foot which Hunter buried away to give Marshall a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Katai, who was just cleared to participate yesterday, got the start up top, and tallied the game winning goal as he slotted his shot to the far post past IUPUI's goalie Tyler Keever in the 70th minute. Diego Ayala (San Antonio, Texas) had the assist.
Boateng added an insurance goal in the just four minutes later as Katai found Boateng wide open on the back post for an easy tap in.

Tuesday's match concludes the preseason for the Thundering Herd as they now prepare for their opening match of the 2009 season when they take on the Falcons of Bowling Green in Ohio. Game time on Sept. 1 is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Today's Marshall Sports News 8/26

From the Charleston Gazette, Parkersburg's Newlon walks on

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908250957

From the Charleston Gazette, Hokies QB hears from Vick

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908250973

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Hamrick has plenty of hurdles at Marshall

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908250958

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall seeks riders for equestrian team

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908260024

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall's Carpenter builds on family tradition

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908250956

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Herd QB born a receiver

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x2101065487/Chuck-Landon-Herd-QB-born-a-receiver

From the Herald Dispatch, MU Alumni Association set to travel with Herd

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562580890/MU-Alumni-Association-set-to-travel-with-Herd

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd's assistant softball coach helps Rockford win pro crown

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562580888/Herds-assistant-softball-coach-helps-Rockford-win-pro-crown

From the Herald Dispatch, Hanshew: Preseason schedule allows Herd a little extra time off

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562580886/Preseason-schedule-allows-Herd-a-little-extra-time-off

From the Herald Dispatch, Tillman moves to guard

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562580884/Tillman-moves-to-guard

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Chris Royal / Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Pioneers


Former Marshall defensive back Chris Royal and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers lost Arena Cup X to Spokane this past weekend. The Spokane Shock dominated throughout winning 74 – 27. Read about the game here:

Today's Marshall Sports News 8/25

From the Charleston Daily Mail, MU's Burns wants to improve on 2008

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908240825

From the Herald Dispatch, SIU ranked in FBS Coaches Poll

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562580276/SIU-ranked-in-FBS-Coaches-Poll

From the Herald Dispatch, Graham gets reps at practice

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562580288/Graham-gets-reps-at-practice

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall basketball recruit earns eligibility

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562580286/Marshall-basketball-recruit-earns-eligibility

From the Herald Dispatch, Landon: So far, so good for MU football in 2009

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562580284/So-far-so-good-for-MU-football-in-2009

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd plays IUPUI in soccer exhibition

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562580292/Herd-plays-IUPUI-in-soccer-exhibition

From the Herald Dispatch, Freshman linebacker looking for playing time in first year

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562580290/Freshman-linebacker-looking-for-playing-time-in-first-year

Monday, August 24, 2009

Marshall in the NFL

Week two of the pre-season is in the books for most NFL teams. Here is an update on how your favorite Marshall athletes performed last week.

Doug Legursky, C, Pittsburgh Steelers

Started at Guard against the Washington Redskins due to a Chris Kemoeatu injury. Spent most of the night lined up against NFL star Albert Haynesworth and handled him self well. Beaver/Allegany Times reporter Mike Bires seems to think Legursky has a decent chance of making the roster, read more about it here: http://www.timesonline.com/articles/2009/08/22/sports/steelers/doc4a90c1b530f41640421502.txt

Randy Moss, WR, New England Patriots

Did not register a catch in the Patriots 7 – 6 loss to Cincinnati.

Chris Hanson, P, New England Patriots

Had seven punts for an average of 39.3 yards, put three kicks inside the twenty.

Chris Massey, LS, St. Louis Rams

No news is good news for the Rams long snapper.

Chris Crocker, S, Cincinnati Bengals

Was credited with one tackle against the New England Patriots. Continues to lead the battle to start along side Roy Williams in Cincinnati’s secondary.

Jason Raider, TE, Atlanta Falcons

For the second week in a row Raider did not get a catch.

Byron Leftwich, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Threw for 63 yards on 12 attempts and 6 completions. Did not toss a pick or touchdown. According to Mark Maske at the Washington Post Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris is not ready to make a decision about Tampa Bay’s starting quarterback position: http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/nflnewsfeed/2009/08/no-verdict-in-bucs-qb-race.html

C.J Spillman, S, San Diego Chargers

Did not register a tackle in San Diego’s 17 – 6 win over Arizona but did get credited with one pass defended. Spillman picked up a fifteen yard personal foul for a vicious hit on Cardinals wide receiver Early Doucet. The hit dislodged Doucet’s helmet. Acording to Kevin Acee of the Union Tribune Spillman’s penalty was bogus:

Safety C.J. Spillman got caught by a rule change when he made a seemingly legal and excellent hit, dislodging the ball from Early Doucet. Spillman was flagged for a hit on a defenseless receiver.
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/aug/23/naanee-chargers-notebook-web/?chargers

John Wade, C, Oakland Raiders

Can’t tell if Wade played in the Raiders 20 – 21 loss to San Francisco. He picked up a stinger during Oakland’s first pre-season game against Dallas and had missed a few days of training camp.

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, New York Giants

Lead all Giants rushers with 54 yards on only 6 carries. Average 9 yards per run.

Chad Pennington, QB, Miami Dolphins

Lead the Dolphins on a scoring drive before exiting the game. On 11 passes Pennington had 8 completions while throwing for 105 yards and a touchdown.

Today's Marshall Sports News 8/24

*Note – Some of this is Sunday news but it is a slow Monday in Herd land.

From the Charleston Gazette, NCAA rules, MU on TV and NASCAR

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908230473

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Summer answers Herd's big questions

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908230494

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall's Snyder has his eye on bowl berth

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908230517

From the Herald Dispatch, Hanshew: Secondary scrambles to get ready for Southern Illinois

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562579382/Secondary-scrambles-to-get-ready-for-Southern-Illinois

From the Herald Dispatch, Week 10: Southern Miss

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562579394/Southern-Miss-seeks-to-get-defensive

From the Herald Dispatch, Edmonson improves at wideout

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562579380/Edmonson-improves

From the Herald Dispatch, Landon: Marshall was the right place for Smith

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562579376/Marshall-was-the-right-place-for-Smith

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd women's soccer wins season opener

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562579698/Herd-womens-soccer-wins-season-opener

From the Herald Dispatch, MU's Curry ready to start

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562579694/MU-defensive-end-ready-for-starting-spot-this-season

From the Herald Dispatch, Anthony Hanshew: Press Taylor continues improving

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562579696/QB-Press-Taylor-continues-taking-lumps-improving

Saturday, August 22, 2009

No News is not Bad News

The blog will be silent Saturday and Sunday but will return with regular updates Monday morning. Follow this links I have posted for all your Thundering Herd news.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Chad Pennington Yahoo Article

Read it all by clicking on the link below:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-dolphinscamp082109&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Pennington is the ideal leader in a number of ways. From the attention to detail, the work ethic and the leadership, players are simply drawn to him.

“He’s shown that he’s fearless,” running back Ricky Williams(notes) said. “Whether it’s in the middle of a game or in dealing with the coaches. I don’t want to say fear, but some guys because they’re apprehensive get tense, whether it’s in a game or if the coaches start yelling. It doesn’t matter what the situation is, Chad speaks his mind and says what needs to be said.”

New Basketball Floor and Locker Rooms

Click the link below to look at Marshall's new basketball locker room and playing floor. The locker room is stunning.

http://herdzone.cstv.com/view.gal?id=51751

Today's Marshall Sports News 8/21

From the Charleston Gazette, WSAZ to air two Herd football games

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908201001

From the Charleston Gazette, Herd is headed in the right direction

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908201000

From the Charleston Gazette, Burning it up at LB

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908200998

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Saunders still battling at MU

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908210009

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Anderson looking stronger; Dobson, Slate injured

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908210013

From the Charleston Daily Mail, WSAZ to air two Marshall football games

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908210024

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Northern Kentucky blanks Herd men's soccer

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908210026

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Henderson Center renovations complete

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908210029

From the Herald Dispatch, UMass Athletic Hall of Fame honors Marcum

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562578179/UMass-Athletic-Hall-of-Fame-honors-Marcum

From the Herald Dispatch, Hanshew: Marshall working overtime to prepare

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562578189/Marshall-working-overtime-to-prepare

From the Herald Dispatch, Ward will wait no more

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562578187/Ward-will-wait-no-more

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Afternoon Update


This Saturday former Marshall defensive back Chris Royal and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers will be competing in the 2009 Arena Cup against the Spokane Shock. Read about the match up below. You can also watch Saturday’s game online by clicking on this link: http://www.niftytv.com/landing/af2/KEY=&DB_OEM_ID=3525&DB_LANG=&IN_SUBSCRIBER_CONTENT

2009 af2 Championship: Pioneers vs. Shock
af2’S 10TH CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT National Conference Champion Spokane Shock face American Conference Champion Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers on Saturday, Aug. 22

CHICAGO – The 2009 ArenaCup matchup is officially set as the American Conference Champion Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers will face the National Conference Champion Spokane Shock. The af2’s 10th anniversary title game is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 22 at 7:00 p.m. PT (10:00 p.m. ET) at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.

This will be the first time the af2 championship game will be held in Las Vegas. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (16-3) won the American Conference Championship with a 72-67 home triumph over Green Bay (12-7). The Pioneers, which earned their second trip to the ArenaCup in the last three years, were led by QB Ryan Vena. Vena accounted for nine total touchdowns (8 – passing, 1 – rushing) and completed 15-of-19 passes for 331 yards.

Spokane (18-1) claimed its second straight National Conference Championship with a 51-44 home victory over Tulsa (15-4). The Shock, who earned their third trip to the ArenaCup in the team’s four-year history, were led by QB Nick Davila. Davila accounted for seven total touchdowns (6 – passing, 1 – rushing) while WRs Markee White (3 TD catches) and Andy Olson (12-105-2 TDs) also contributed in the win.





Report: Memphis will vacate Final Four season

According to
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/32486581/ns/sports-college_basketball/ Memphis will be forced to vacate all their victories from the 2007 – 2008 season, including one against Marshall. This will be the second case of a John Calipari team vacating wins from a Final Four appearance, his 1995-1996 University of Massachusetts squad forfeited there victories after investigators discovered Marcus Camby had accepted $28,000 from two different sports agents.

National Pro Fastpitch Championship Series

From the Charleston Gazette: http://wvgazette.com/Sports/200908191037

Former Marshall softball standouts Rachel Folden and Jessica Williams along with current Marshall assistant coach and former player Amanda Williams will compete at the National Pro Fastpitch Championship Series starting at 6 tonight at Firestone Stadium in Akron, Ohio.
Folden catches and carries a .308 batting average for the top-seed Chicago Bandits. Amanda Williams ranks in the top 10 in the league in batting average (.284) and RBIs (15) for the third-seeded Rockford Thunder. Jessica Williams, a four-time All-Conference USA selection, is a utility player for the fourth-seeded USSSA Pride.

All games will be streamed live through a partnership with mlb.com and links for all games can be found on the live games page at http://www.profastpitch.com/.

Jason Williams ends NBA retirement


Former Marshall basketball player Jason Williams has ended his retirement and will play for the Orlando Magic this season. Read more about it here from the Herald Dispatch:

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1886684878/Jason-Williams-ends-NBA-retirement

Today's Marshall Sports News 8/20

From the Charleston Gazette, Notebook: Evans learns lesson about showboating

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908191066

From the Charleston Gazette, Marshall AD Hamrick gets to work

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908191053

From the Charleston Gazette, Hatten growing into tight end body, demeanor

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908191062

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Hamrick says Marshall will have 'fiscal integrity'

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908191077

From the Charleston Daily Mail, MU's Whitehead meeting expectations

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908190847

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Anderson is the right choice for quarterback

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908190852

From the Herald Dispatch, Pep rally introduces new AD

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1562577663/Pep-rally-introduces-new-AD

From the Herald Dispatch, Soccer team falls 1-0 at Rio Grande

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1562577661/Soccer-team-falls-1-0-at-Rio-Grande

From the Herald Dispatch, Linebacker is 'learning on the job'

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1562577659/Linebacker-is-learning-on-the-job

From the Herald Dispatch, Game nine: Matchup with UCF should be a defensive bout

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1562577665/Matchup-with-UCF-should-be-a-defensive-bout

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: A 300-pound Peter Pan

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1886684876/Chuck-Landon-A-300-pound-Peter-Pan

From the Herald Dispatch, Special teams on display

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x2101064816/Special-teams-on-display

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Marshall Summer Baseball

When school lets out the Marshall University Baseball team keeps on swinging. Unfortunately the Herd did not make it past the Conference USA tournament but many Marshall players continued playing baseball in colligate wooden bat leagues. Bellow I have listed every Marshall player who competed in a summer league and a link to their statistics, enjoy!

New York Collegiate Baseball League:

Alfredo Brito - Mohawk Valley Diamond Dogs http://www.nycbl.com/09leaguestats/md.htm#team.mlb

Mike Mason - Mohawk Valley Diamond Dogs http://www.nycbl.com/09leaguestats/md.htm#team.mlb

Clark Griffith Baseball League:

Kyle Blank - Vienna Senators http://www.viennasenators.com/stats2009.html

The Sierra Baseball League:

Joe Church - San Jose Seals

Cape Cod Baseball League:

Austin Coan - Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox
http://www.capecodbaseball.org/stats/TeamStats.asp#90

Shane Farrell - Falmouth Commodores http://www.capecodbaseball.org/stats/TeamStats.asp#85

Texas Collegiate League:

Ben Frith - East Texas Lumberjacks http://pumpjacksbaseball.com/team/stats/

Great Lakes Collegiate Summer League:

Tyler Gatrell - Southern Ohio Copperheads http://aspnet.cob.ohiou.edu/copperheads/uploads/2009seasonstat.htm

Ian Kadish - Cincinnati Steam http://www.greatlakesleague.org/statistics/2009/lgplyrs.htm

Alaska Baseball League:

Thor Meeks - Anchorage Bucs http://www.anchoragebucs.com/stats.htm

Hawaii Collegiate Baseball League:

Eric Semeniuk http://www.hawaii-cbl.com/scores/lgplyrs.htm

Kenny Socorro http://www.hawaii-cbl.com/scores/lgplyrs.htm

The Valley League:

Rhett Stafford - Waynesboro Generals http://www.valleyleaguebaseball.com/information/statistics/way.htm

Great Lakes Baseball League:

Ramone Tate - Old Brooklyn Hurricanes

Northwood's League:

Ryan Kiel - Eau Claire Express http://northwoods.bbstats.pointstreak.com/team_stats.html?teamid=165&seasonid=120

Arik Sikula - Rochester Honkers http://northwoods.bbstats.pointstreak.com/team_stats.html?teamid=172&seasonid=120

Dan Straily - St. Cloud River Bats http://northwoods.bbstats.pointstreak.com/team_stats.html?teamid=170&seasonid=120

Josh Valle - Battle Creek Bombers http://northwoods.bbstats.pointstreak.com/team_stats.html?teamid=167&seasonid=120

James White - Battle Creek Bombers http://northwoods.bbstats.pointstreak.com/team_stats.html?teamid=167&seasonid=120

Today's Marshall Sports News 8/19

From the Charleston Gazette, Notebook: Punter puts in long hours

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908181044

From the Charleston Gazette, Snyder not breaking sweat on hot seat

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908181043

From the Charleston Gazette, Smith, Slate among Herd's captains for 2009

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908181030

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Hamrick set to take helm at Marshall

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908190031

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Herd baseball adds three players for 2010

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908190035

From the Herald Dispatch, Landon: Cann slips all the way to third on QB chart

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562577005/Cann-slips-all-the-way-to-third-on-QB-chart

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall selects team captains

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562577007/Snyder-Five-are-deserving-leaders

From the Herald Dispatch, All tickets sold to pep rally in Charleston

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562577019/All-tickets-sold-to-pep-rally-in-Charleston

From the Herald Dispatch, Hanshew: Milligan done at Marshall

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562577011/Milligan-done-at-Marshall-McClellan-Harvey-on-Lombardi-list

From the Herald Dispatch, Hamrick, Marshall look for football success

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562577013/Hamrick-Marshall-look-for-football-success

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd baseball adds three players

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562577015/Herd-baseball-adds-three-players

From the Herald Dispatch, Edwards starting opener

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562577009/Edwards-starting-opener

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Three Players Join Marshall Baseball Team

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall University baseball head coach Jeff Waggoner has announced the signing of Mike Cavalli, Nathan Gomez and the return of Kurt Lipton to the 2010 roster.

Cavalli is a 6’8” right handed pitcher from Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, Calif. Last season the junior college transfer posted a 6-1 record with a 3.34 ERA in 18 appearances and helped the Vikings advance to the California Community College Final Four. This past summer, Cavalli pitched for the San Jose Seals of the Pacific West Baseball League. In nine starts for the Seals, he finished with a 3-1 record, 2.72 ERA and tallied 47 strikeouts in 40 innings of work.

Gomez hails from La Salle High School in Miami, Fla. As a member of the Royal Lions, Gomez played first base, outfield and served as a left-handed pitcher. He was an honorable mention All-Miami-Dade County selection on three occasions and holds the school record for ERA in a season (1.24). In his senior season, Gomez hit .385, collected four home runs and drove in 26 runs.

Lipton, an outfielder, played two seasons at Vanderbilt prior to joining the Herd in 2008. In 2008, Lipton saw action in 47 games, making 46 starts and hitting for a .313 average. He collected 55 hits, including 18 for extra bases and tallied 37 RBI. Last season, Lipton returned to Vanderbilt to earn his undergraduate degree and did not play. He has returned to Marshall to use his fifth year of eligibility for the 2010 season.
From Herdzone.com

http://herdzone.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/081809aaa.html

Afternoon Update

Marshall’s last two NFL alumni had their preseason debuts Monday night. In very limited action with the Miami Dolphins Chad Pennington completed four of seven passes for thirty eight yards, throwing no touchdowns or interceptions.

In a effort to secure the number two running back role with the New York Giants Ahmad Bradshaw had five rushes for thirty five yards and one touchdown. On Bradshaw’s TD run he scampered nineteen yards for the first points of the game.

Today's Marshall Sports News 8/18

From the Charleston Gazette, Marshall basketball tickets on sale

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908170936

From the Charleston Gazette, Finally, a scholarship for Thompson

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908170986

From the Charleston Gazette, Sounds of practice: p.a. system undergoes repairs

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908170991

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Curry glad for chance to play for Herd

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908180050

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Kickers excel in Herd scrimmage

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908180046

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Charleston event to promote Thundering Herd is a sellout

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908180471

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd meets Rio Grande in men's soccer exhibition

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562576456/Herd-meets-Rio-Grande-in-mens-soccer-exhibition

From the Herald Dispatch, Local player battles for a starting spot in his senior season

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562576468/No-Headline

From the Herald Dispatch, Landon: MU baseball may have a stadium in its future

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562576460/MU-baseball-may-have-a-stadium-in-its-future

From the Herald Dispatch, Former walk-on awarded scholarship

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562576470/Former-walk-on-awarded-scholarship

From the Herald Dispatch, MU basketball announces home game opponents

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562576466/MU-basketball-announces-home-game-opponents

Monday, August 17, 2009

Marshall in the NFL

Week one of the NFL preseason is almost in the books. Here is a snapshot of how your favorite Marshall alumni performed:

Doug Legursky, C, Pittsburgh Steelers

Started at center for the Pittsburgh Steelers due to injuries across the offensive line. A lack of statistics for offensive lineman makes it hard to evaluate Legursky but from what I saw he played well. It looks like Justin Hartwig will return to the starting center role for Pittsburgh this Saturday against Washington but Legursky should continue to receive playing time.

Randy Moss, WR, New England Patriots

Randy was being Randy, he caught three passes for fifty four yards from New England QB Tom Brady.

Chris Hanson, P, New England Patriots

Three punts for an average of 46.7 yards. Hanson is the only punter in New England’s Camp.

Chris Massey, LS, St. Louis Rams

No news is good news for a long snapper and I have seen none about Massey.

Chris Crocker, S, Cincinnati Bengals

Continued his strong play from 2008 with three tackles while holding the Saints starters in check. Drew Brees’s touchdown came after Crocker and the Bengals defense had left the field.

Jason Raider, TE, Atlanta Falcons

Caught zero passes for zero yards. Not good for a player fighting for a roster part.

Byron Leftwich, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Completed six of fourteen passes for sixty one yards and one touchdown against Tennessee. According to Jon Henderson of the Tampa Bay Tribune ( http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/aug/15/leftwich-takes-lead-qb-race/sports-bucs/) Leftwich has taken the lead to start at QB in Tampa. He will start the Buccaneers next preseason game against Jacksonville.

C.J Spillman, S, San Diego Chargers

Did not register a tackle in the Chargers preseason opener against Seattle.

John Wade, C, Oakland Raiders

John got injured (stinger) during the Raiders exhibition game against the Dallas Cowboys and could not finish the game. Wade is competing with Samson Satele for the starting center job.

*Note – Ahmad Bradshaw and Chad Pennington are playing there first preseason games Monday August 17th.

Did I miss any one?

Today's Marshall Sports News 8/17

*Editors Note – Sorry for not update Friday through Sunday, it was a busy weekend for this blogger. On that note all the local papers which I have links for (look to your left) did a great job covering Saturdays scrimmage.

From the Charleston Gazette, Issues for dog days of Herd camp

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908160433

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Cousins Evans, Walker glad for 2 years together

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908170033

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall's suspension leaves big hole

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562576025/Marshalls-suspension-leaves-big-hole-to-fill

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Fan Fest!


Afternoon Update

Last year Marshall pitcher Steve Blevins was selected 636 overall (21st round) in the MLB first year player draft. Blevins decided to go pro and leave Marshall a year early. During his first year in professional baseball Blevins played for the Gulf Coast League Twins and the Elizabeth Twins of the Appalachian League. While in the Appalachian League Blevins stuck out twenty seven batters to only nine walks while amassing an ERA of 5.47. This year Blevins has been a work horse for the Beloit Snappers (Class A), leading all relievers with sixty five innings pitched, fifty six strike outs to only twenty three walks, and an ERA of 3.60. Follow the link below to Blevins player page:

http://beloit.snappers.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=542948

Today's Marshall Sports News 8/13

From the Charleston Gazette, Herd's nonconference hoops opponents named
http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908121089

From the Charleston Gazette, Herd notebook: Anderson secure as No. 1 at QB

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908121084

From the Charleston Gazette, Unexpected deep threat

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908121085

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Herd QB excels in first two-a-day sessions

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908130191

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Expectations high for backups

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908130172

From the Herald Dispatch, With Passmore gone, opportunity knocks for WRs

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562574065/With-Passmore-gone-opportunity-knocks-for-WRs

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall's Fleming All-C-USA volleyball

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562574067/Marshalls-Fleming-All-C-USA-volleyball

From the Herald Dispatch, Landon: Ashton Hall leaps into Marshall record book

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562574053/Ashton-Hall-leaps-into-Marshall-record-book

From the Herald Dispatch, Matchup with Mountaineers a mid-season test

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562574077/Matchup-with-Mountaineers-a-mid-season-test

From the Herald Dispatch, Defensive line goes 10 deep

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562574063/D-Line-goes-10-deep

From the Herald Dispatch, Gallery: Aug. 12 Marshall football practice

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/multimedia/galleries/musports/x2101064254/Gallery-Aug-12-Marshall-football-practice

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Afternoon Update




Found an article in the Seattle Post Intelligencer previewing our upcoming football season. An odd place to find a preview but a quality look at our program from an outsider nonetheless. Follow the link to read:

http://www.seattlepi.com/scorecard/cfootballnews.asp?articleID=108001

Doug Legursky to start?


Former Marshall center Doug Legursky might start the Steelers first pre-season game Thursday night. If center Justin Hartwig can not go Legursky will get to line up with the first team. Read more about it here from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette:

If center Justin Hartwig does not play, as expected, Tomlin said first-year free-agent center Doug Legursky will start.

"More than anything, I'm just concerned about coming out and playing the game extremely fast, extremely hard," Tomlin said this morning at a news conference at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. "We realize we're not going to be perfect. But we have to have Steelers-type tempo."

Today's Marshall Sports News 8/12

From the Charleston Gazette, New TV deals may define future of C-USA

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908110900

From the Charleston Gazette, C-USA preview: Favorites are hard to find

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908110901

From the Charleston Gazette, Saunders still seeking spot

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908110913

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Herd working on its version of Wildcat

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908110788?page=2&build=cache

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Nehlen, Pruett donate to Van football program

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/PrepSports/200908120040

From the Herald Dispatch, Landon: Wilson gets feet under him at WR for Herd

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562573437/Wilson-gets-feet-under-him-at-WR-for-Herd

From the Herald Dispatch, Practice gets lively with Hoot-'N'-Holler

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562573445/Spring-practice-gets-lively-with-Hoot-N-Holler

From the Herald Dispatch, New-look line starts hitting

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562573443/New-look-line-starts-hitting

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Virginia Tech loses starting running back




Marshall opponent Virgina Tech lost starting running back Darren Evans for the inter season to a torn ACL. Read about it here from Wralsportsfan.com:

http://www.wralsportsfan.com/college_football/story/5776459/

Afternoon Update


Found a nice story in the St. Petersburg Times about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback battle. According to this article our boy Byron Leftwich has looked very impressive.

So as we examine the race between Luke McCown and Byron Leftwich — sorry, Josh Freeman, your time will come soon — understand that both avoided catastrophe.
But Leftwich was better. He made more plays, got the ball in the end zone more consistently and basically converted more believers in the locker room.


http://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/article1025985.ece

Herd Lands Fourth Football Verbal Commitment


Sarasota (Fla.) Out of Door Academy tight end/defensive end Jamie Onufrak has verbally committed to Marshall University’s football program. Onufrak is huge, rivals.com has him listed at 6,5 230lbs. With Marshall’s depth at tight end, including fellow verbal commitment James Powers, it would not surprise me if Onufrak ended up on defense. I have included a link to a article in the Herald Tribune (Sarasota, FL.) about college football recruiting which mentions Onufrak.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090802/ARTICLE/908021052/2050/SPORTS?Title=Opportunities-pitfalls-abound-in-recruiting

Jamie Onufrak, a 6-foot-5, 230-pound tight end/defensive end at ODA, has been to camps at Notre Dame, Tulane, Wake Forest and Duke. He believes it helps because he is playing at a Class A football program and people question the competition he faces.

"It costs a lot of money, but fortunately my family is able to deal with it," Onufrak said. "I did pretty well at the camps and those schools are considering me. I haven't gotten any offers, but they all seem pretty interested. We will see what happens as the process goes on."

Today's Marshall Sports News 8/11

From the Charleston Gazette, Curry could spice up Herd defense

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908101335

From the Charleston Gazette, Hits will keep on coming in contact drills

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908101343

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Graham begins life as a Herd quarterback

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908101050

From the Charleston Daily Mail, No lie: Snyder has done little to help home record

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908101362

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Wingate motivated by mom's last wish

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200908101363

From the Herald Dispatch, MU notebook: Practice interrupted by inclement weather

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562572837/Practice-interrupted-by-inclement-weather

From the Herald Dispatch, Hamrick to attend Paint the Capital City Green

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562572841/Hamrick-to-attend-Paint-the-Capital-City-Green

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Cornerback Drakeford day-to-day with injury

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562572831/Cornerback-Drakeford-day-to-day-with-injury

From the Herald Dispatch, Shakoor returns home

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x2101063755/Shakoor-returns-home

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall football gets verbal commitment

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x2101063763/Marshall-football-gets-verbal-commitment

Monday, August 10, 2009

Afternoon Update

Former Marshall players John Cooper and Jamus Martin were knocked out of the Arena Football Two playoffs as the Lexington Horseman fell to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Former Huntington Heroes head coach Garry McPeek is the Horseman’s offensive Coordinator. Read about it here:

http://www.kentucky.com/sports/story/889823.html

(Quick note former Marshall defensive back Chris Royal plays for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton)

Herd just like the Redskins?

Besides Marshall University, all the teams I root for reside in Washington D.C. Before Marshall hit the football field last week the Washington Redskins kicked off training camp July 30th. Obviously, being a big Redskin fan I have been following them as closely as the Herd. Since both teams have started to practice I realized that their areas of concern mirror each other.

For example, the biggest concern about Washington has been the offensive line. After releasing veteran tackle Jon Jansen and doing little to upgrade talent or depth the Redskins o-line has been a huge question mark. In Huntington an injury to John Bruhin has caused the entire offensive line to switch positions which makes this Herd fan nervous about keeping Brian Anderson upright. Speaking of quarterback the Herd’s QB situation was murky heading into August practice, much like the Redskins. Even though Anderson has appeared to take a strong grip on the starting spot questions still abound about his ability to win games. Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell enters this season with an expiring contract and serious doubts about his future in D.C. Lets not forget about wide receiver. The Herd enter camp with little proven talent while the Redskins need second year players Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly to immerge and assist Jim Zorn’s passing attack.

Still not convinced? Lets take a look at the defensive side of the ball. The Redskins opened camp with questions about a starting linebacker spot. Starters London Fletcher and Rocky Micintosh return but fans are still wondering if college defensive end Brian Orakpo has the ability to play standing up. Marshall also returns two starters at linebacker, but has questions in the middle with Tyson Gale and Kellen Harris fighting for a starting role.

Still not convinced? Lets move on to special teams. Both teams have questions at kicker. In Redskins camp Shaun Suishman is competing with Dave Rayner to start while at Marshall incumbents Craig Ratanamorn and Tyler Warner battle for place kicking duties.

Heck even the teams strengths mirror each other. Both are very strong at defensive line, in the secondary, and at running back. Hopefully both of my football rooting interest have better seasons than last.

Today's Marshall Sports News 8/10

From the Charleston Gazette, Herd putting more emphasis on takeaways

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908080118

From the Charleston Gazette, Revisiting Marshall's success indicators

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908090105

From the Charleston Gazette, Marshall football notebook: Anderson looking more and more like starting QB

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908090111

From the Herald Dispatch, QB club set to party; Graham arrives

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1562572097/QB-club-set-to-party-Graham-arrives

From the Herald Dispatch, Trip to Tulane could be tough one

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1562572105/Trip-to-Tulane-could-be-tough-one

From the Herald Dispatch, McClellan looks to return to form

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1562572095/McClellan-anticipates-return-to-2006-form

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall WR Evans has versatility

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1886683870/Marshall-WR-Evans-has-versatility

From the Herald Dispatch, MU notebook: All eyes are on Graham

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1562572401/All-eyes-are-on-Graham

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Afternoon Update


Picture of Marshall’s news basketball floor from Henation.com poster Herdon2.


Today's Marshall Sports News 8/8

From the Charleston Gazette, Herd notebook: Secondary, offensive line get a little tweaking

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908070849

From the Charleston Gazette, New receivers getting a look

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/200908070843

From the Herald Dispatch, Notebook: Expect redshirts for most new recruits

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562571507/Expect-redshirts-for-most-new-recruits

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd volleyball gets grad assistant coach

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562571509/Herd-volleyball-gets-grad-assistant-coach

From the Herald Dispatch, Landon: Marshall fans may find facts at practice

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562571503/Marshall-fans-may-find-facts-at-practice

From the Herald Dispatch, Anderson Starts Sharp

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1562571505/Anderson-starts-sharp

From the Herald Dispatch, Gallery: Marshall begins football practice
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/multimedia/galleries/musports/x1886683597/Gallery-Marshall-begins-football-practice

Friday, August 7, 2009

Afternoon Update

Are you excited for the first day of Marshall Football pratice? If your not I know some one that is..........