Bernard Morris Update

After being thrust into action due to a injury former Marshall quarterback Bernard Morris was named AFL offensive playmaker of the week on July 20th. Riding that strong perform Morris started under center for the Jacksonville Sharks last Saturday against Bossier-Shreveport. Morris threw for 228 yards and 3 passing touchdowns while adding another on the ground during a 48 – 20 Sharks victory.

Jacksonville starting quarterback Aaron Garcia should be back in action this weekend against Spokane so Morris will return to his slash role of wide receiver, linebacker, and special teams contributor.

Spokane starting QB Kyle Rowley, who Morris backed up last season for the Arkansas Twisters, (AF2) had this to say about the former Marshall signal caller:

“He’s finally getting a chance to prove that he’s a very good quarterback,” Rowley said. “A lot of times when you play behind somebody that’s solidified the starting spot, you have a tendency not to show up with a serious attitude in practice, but he’s not one of those guys. He’s a great athlete.”

Quote courtesy the Spokesman Review:http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/jul/29/shock-face-determined-sharks/

Today's Marshall Sports News 7/30/10

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall tickets go on sale

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1334911464/Marshall-football-tickets-go-on-sale

Marshall at NFL Training Camp

With NFL training camps opening up across the league I have produced a list of former Marshall players in camp.

Daniel Baldridge Jacksonville Jaguars OT

Baldridge was signed as a undrafted free agent in April by Jacksonville. The Jaguars did not draft any offensive lineman in 2010 but did sign two others as undrafted free agents.

Ahmad Bradshaw New York Giants RB

Bradshaw enters his third season with the Giants. As New York’s back up running back in 09-10 Bradshaw rushed for 778 yards and 7 touchdowns. Bradshaw had surgery on his ankle and foot this offseason.

Chris Crocker Cincinnati Bengals S

With Cincinnati last season Crocker started at safety and registered 51 tackles and 2 interceptions.

Byron Leftwich Pittsburgh Steelers QB

Byron was trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Pittsburg this offseason. Leftwich is scheduled to start for Pittsburgh while Ben Roethlisberger serves a six game suspension.

Doug Legursky Pittsburgh Steelers C/OG

As a backup last season Legursky participated in 8 games. This offseason Pittsburgh spent its first round draft pick on center Maurkice Pouncey and a 5th round draft pick on tackle Chris Scott. As a former undrafted free agent Legursky will be fighting to keep his roster sport in training camp.

Chris Massey St. Louis Rams LS

Missed the majority of last season with a knee injury but that did not prevent St. Louis from signing Massey to a four year four million dollar contract this offseason. Massey is the only long snapper in St. Louis’s training camp.

Albert McClellan Baltimore Ravens DE/LB

McClellan was signed as a undrafted free agent in April by Baltimore. He will be competing with a number of other prospects for a outside linebacker role in the Ravens 3 – 4 defense.

Randy Moss New England Patriots WR

Last season Moss recorded 83 receptions for 1,264 yards and 13 touchdowns. Moss enters New England’s training camp as the Patriots top wide receiver.

Chad Pennington Miami Dolphins QB

Pennington injured his shoulder during week 3 of last season and was sidelined the rest of the year. He returned to the Dolphins on a one year contract this offseason and should backup Chad Henne if healthy.

Cody Slate Kansas City Chiefs TE/WR

After recovering from a knee injury Slate signed a undrafted free agent contract with Kansas City in June. Last years top receiving tight end for Kansas City was Leonard Pope with 174 yards. The Chiefs spent a third round draft choice on tight end Tony Moeaki and added T.C Drake as another undrafted free agent.

C.J. Spillman San Diego Chargers S

Made the Chargers as a undrafted free agent last off season. Participated in 5 games and registered 13 tackles. San Diego drafted safety Darrell Stuckey with a fourth round pick. Spillman will have to make a impact on special teams and continue to grow as a safety if he wants to keep his roster spot.

Today's Marshall Sports News 7/29/10

From the Charleston Gazette, Marshall opponent preview: Game 11, SMU

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201007280956

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd fans can meet new coach at Paint the Capital City Green event

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/briefs/x1328290879/Herd-fans-can-meet-new-coach-at-Paint-the-Capital-City-Green-event

From the Business Journal, IMG to acquire ISP Sports

http://www.bizjournals.com/triad/stories/2010/07/26/daily25.html

Cortez Carter Links

Marshall’s fifth verbal football commitment for 2011 is Liberty (VA) linebacker Cortez Carter. Carter comes from the same high school as incoming freshman defensive tackle Brandon Sparrow.

Below I have linked a number of web pages dedicated to Carter:

Cortez Carter Rivals.com page, http://rivals.yahoo.com/marshall/football/recruiting/player-Cortez-Carter-100485

Cortez Carter Max Preps page, http://www.maxpreps.com/athletes/3CcJsgMx-USvGXnRvucwxg/football-fall-09/profile-cortez-carter.htm

Cortez Carter Scout.com page, http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=8&c=1&nid=4871047

Cortez Carter ESPN.com page, http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=115973

This past season Carter was named to the VHSCA AA All-State Football second team.

Today's Marshall Sports News 7/28/10

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall upgrades athletic facilities

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201007271039

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Hamrick counting on coaches' success

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/201007271052

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Is it time for football practice yet?

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2010/07/28/is-it-time-for-football-practice-yet/

From the Charleston Daily Mail, ECU assistant resigns over possible secondary violations

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2010/07/28/ecu-assistant-resigns-over-possible-secondary-violations/

Happy 1st Birthday Marshall Thundering Blog!

Yes it is hard to imagine but the Marshall Thundering Blog is turning one year old today.

I hope this website has been as fun for my visitors as it has been for me over the past year. My news might not always be breaking, my spelling and grammar might be a little off, and you might get three different links to three newspapers writing about the same thing but, I believe the blog has been a good one stop shop for all Herd news.

Since July 27th 2009 the Blog has been viewed over 27,500 times which averages out to just over 75 visitors a day.

Most importantly folks keep coming back, I have some exciting new features scheduled for football season as this site continues to improve every day.

Thanks for a great year one and I look forward to more visitors in year two!

Today's Marshall Sports News 7/27/10

From the Charleston Gazette, Marshall Game 10: Memphis

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201007260805

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall, WVU land twins from Va.

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201007270022

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Former Herd coach joins Indiana State staff

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MarshallFootball/201007260764

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Phil Ratliff cleaning up in the Commonwealth (Cortez Carter)

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2010/07/26/phil-ratliff-cleaning-up-in-the-commonwealth/

From the Herald Dispatch, C-USA tries to crash BCS bowl party

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1393628170/C-USA-still-trying-to-crash-BCS-bowl-party

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Saban said it best

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x148593603/Chuck-Landon-Saban-said-it-best

From the Herald Dispatch, Former MU player explains coaching change

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1393628165/Former-MU-player-explains-coaching-change

Ian Kadish enjoying summer ball

Cincinnati.com has a nice write up about native son and Marshall University pitched Ian Kadish.

Click the link to read: http://communitypress.cincinnati.com/article/20100725/SPT01/7250303/Summer-ball-serves-Wyoming-grad-well

Blake Frohnapfel commits to Marshall

Old news but none the less important. Colonial Forge (VA) quarterback Blake Frohnapfel verbally committed to Marshall over the weekend.

Follow the link to read more about Frohnapfel'S commitment: http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2010/072010/07252010/563973

Today's Marshall Sports News 7/26

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Paint the City Green coming to Charleston

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201007250404

From the Herald Dispatch, Holliday attends first C-USA Media Day

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1409796507/No-Headline

From the Herald Dispatch, Agent talk hits C-USA

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1409796505/Agent-talk-hits-C-USA

From the Herald Dispatch, C-USA coaching colleagues witness Holliday's new colors

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1409796509/C-USA-coaching-colleagues-witness-Hollidays-new-colors

Out Again

Sorry every one but I will not be posting today. Will be back on Monday, enjoy your weekends.

Out Today

Going to be out today, should be back on Friday.

Mario Harvey and Lee Smith make All Conference List

From Herdzone.com: http://herdzone.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/072110aaa.html

Marshall University senior linebacker Mario Harvey and senior tight end Lee Smith were both named to the 2010 Conference USA Preseason All-Conference Football Team as selected by the league's coaches on Wednesday.

Harvey, a senior from Forsyth, Ga., earned first-team All-Conference USA honors last season by posting a team-high 117 tackles and seven sacks. He is on the preseason watch list for both the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Rotary Lombardi Award.

Smith, a senior from Powell, Tenn., earned honorable mention All-Conference USA honors last season by recording 23 catches for 335 yards. The standout is a nominee for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and is generally regarded as one of the top NFL prospects at his position entering the 2010 season.

Houston senior quarterback Case Keenum, the 2009 Conference USA Most Valuable Player, was chosen as the league's 2010 Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. UCF senior DE Bruce Miller was named the preseason Defensive Player of the Year, while Houston junior return specialist Tyron Carrier earned Special Teams Player of the Year honors.

Doc Holliday and Tom Herrion join Twitter

Marshall head football coach Doc Holliday and head basketball coach Tom Herrion have joined Twitter. Although neither page has a post, both coaches are on the social networking website.

Holliday and Herrion’s predecessors, Mark Snyder and Donnie Jones, also had Twitter pages while leading the Herd.

Coach Holliday’s Twitter page: http://twitter.com/MUCoachHolliday

Coach Herrion’s Twitter page: http://twitter.com/CoachTomHerrion

Today's Marshall Sports News 7/21

From the Charleston Gazette, TSN rankings

http://blogs.wvgazette.com/dougsmock/2010/07/20/tsn-rankings/

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Herd tight end nominated for award

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MarshallFootball/201007210022

From the Herald Dispatch, NBA Summer League report

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x739186171/NBA-Summer-League-report

From the Herald Dispatch, Lee Smith up for service award

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x739186173/Lee-Smith-up-for-service-award

From the Herald Dispatch, Strong sales eliminate MU mini-season tickets

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1769481485/No-Headline

Huntington Hammer have many Marshall connections

Yesterday former Marshall football players Luke Salmons and Michael “Kool Aide” Owens were named to the Huntington Hammer coaching staff. Salmons will serve as head coach while Owners takes charge of the defense.

Salmons has a unique blend of head coaching and indoor football experience. He played for Huntington’s last indoor team, the Heroes and is head football coach at Lawrence County (KY) High School. In Salmons first season as head coach (2009) he improved Lawrence County’s win total by 12 games. Salmons will remain at Lawrence County while coaching the Hammer.

One of Salmons assistant coaches at Lawrence County is former Marshall quarterback Jimmy Skinner. Skinner also played for the Heroes.

Owens has been a main stay in Huntington’s indoor football endeavors. After a decorated career at Marshall Owens played for the Heroes every year of their existence. In 2008 he was named head coach of the short lived West Virginia Wild who never played a game.

Although he never played at Marshall, Gary McPeek will serve as offensive coordinator for Huntington. Gary’s son Nate was a All Mid American Conference football player for the Herd. Gary served as the Heroes head coach for three seasons while Nate played for the team each of those years.

The Marshall Thundering Blog wishes the Hammer and all its Marshall connections good luck preparing for season one. Go Hammer!

Today's Marshall Sports News 7/20

From the Charleston Gazette, Kickoff times set for 7 Herd TV games

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201007190800

From the Charleston Gazette, Marshall football on television

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201007190809

From the Herald Dispatch, Report: Bembry's blood alcohol level was .174

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1233334842/Report-Bembrys-blood-alcohol-level-was-174

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Honoring the eternal first lady of MU football

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1233334844/Honoring-the-eternal-first-lady-of-MU-football

From the Herald Dispatch, It's Hammer time: New indoor football team unveiled

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1233334846/Its-Hammer-time-New-indoor-football-team-unveiled

Huntington's new UIFL team: Huntington Hammer

Huntington's new UIFL team will be known as the Huntington Hammer.

Website here: http://www.huntingtonhammer.com/

More information to follow tomorrow!

Huntington UIFL team to announce name, ownership, and coach today

The United Indoor Football League’s (UIFL) Huntington franchise will be holding a press conference at 1pm today inside the Big Sandy Super Store Arena to announce the team name, ownership, and coaching staff. The press conference is open to the public, attendance is encouraged.

Yes, this is not a Marshall news item but, just like the Heroes and Locomotives before them, Huntington’s newest indoor football team is sure to host many former Herd players.

Hassan Whiteside & Tyler Wilkerson wrap up NBA Summer League action

Former Marshall big men Tyler Wilkerson and Hassan Whiteside wrapped up their inaugural NBA Summer League seasons last week.

Whiteside had a big game on Friday, scoring 10 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, and blocking 3 shots against the Chicago Bulls. For 6 games (all starts), Whiteside averaged 6.8 points, 2.3 blocks, and 5 rebounds per game. Whiteside was also second to DeMarcus Cousins in minutes per game with 25.8.

With James Gist hurt Wilkerson started the Spurs last two games at power forward. In those two games Wilkerson averaged 11 points and 6 rebounds in over 24 minutes of play. For the Summer League Wilkerson averaged 11 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. Below, you can watch two impressive highlights from Wilkerson. The first is a steal and ally-oop jam off of Clippers forward Al-Farouq Aminu. Our second clip is Wilkerson posterizing former second overall draft pick Hasheem Thabeet with a monster jam.

Wilkerson steal and ally-oop: http://www.nba.com/summerleague/games/20100717/LACSAS/gameinfo.html

Wilkerson embarrasses Hasheem Thabeet: http://www.nba.com/summerleague/games/20100718/SASMEM/gameinfo.html

Today's Marshall Sports News 7/19

From the Charleston Gazette, Bembry kicked off football team

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201007180270

From the Charleston Gazette, Marshall football opponents, Game 6: UCF

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201007160845

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall's Bembry arrested, dismissed from football team

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201007180296

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Bembry breaks hearts, thins secondary

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2010/07/18/bembry-breaks-hearts-thins-secondary/

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall player arrested, dismissed

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1411939116/No-Headline

Out Today

I am out today, will be back on Monday. Go Herd!

Tyler Wilkerson and Hassan Whiteside Summer League Update 7/14

Tyler Wilkerson lead the San Antonio Spurs in rebounds with 7 during their 89 - 84 victory over Atlanta. Wilkerson also added 7 points off the bench and played the most minutes of any Spurs reserve. In fact, Wilkerson (over 24 minutes) registered more floor time than starting power forward James Gist (17 minutes). The Spurs play again today at 4pm against Los Angeles (Lakers).

Starting for the Sacramento Kings, Hassan Whiteside scored 6 points, blocked 1 shot, and grabbed 7 rebounds in over 27 minutes of play. Sacramento defeated Minnesota 79 – 78. Whiteside returns to the court on Friday at 6pm against Toronto.

Tyler Wilkerson box score: http://www.nba.com/summerleague/games/20100714/ATLSAS/gameinfo.html

Hassan Whiteside box score: http://www.nba.com/summerleague/games/20100714/SACMIN/gameinfo.html

Today's Marshall Sports News 7/15

From the Charleston Gazette, Marshall football opponents, Game 5: Southern Miss

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201007140998

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall QB Club schedules Aug. 21 party

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MarshallFootball/201007141050

From the Herald Dispatch, Coaches Tour had lighter side

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1411937114/Marshall-Coaches-Tour-had-its-lighter-side

From the Ironton Tribune, Kerns now 10th at Ohio Amateur

http://www.irontontribune.com/news/2010/jul/15/kerns-now-10th-ohio-amateur/

Scoreboard Upgrades at Joan C Edwards Stadium

On Facebook the ISP Thundering Herd Sports Network is providing updates on the new score install. Looks like they update regularly, check it out when you have a chance.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thundering-Herd-ISP-Sports-Network/291719428109?v=wall#!/pages/Thundering-Herd-ISP-Sports-Network/291719428109?v=wall

Hassan Whiteside Returns to Summer League Action

Hassan Whiteside and the Sacramento Kings summer league team returned to action last night against Las Angeles (Lakers). In just over 31 minutes Whiteside scored 4 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and blocked two shots.

Whiteside and the Kings play again tonight at 10pm against Minnesota.

Also, former Marshall center Tyler Wilkerson and the San Antonio Spurs will be taking on Atlanta at 6:30pm.

Find all your NBA summer league news here including schedules, stats, and box scores: http://www.nba.com/summerleague/gameline/20100713/

Ian Kadish makes All Star team

Marshall pitcher Ian Kadish has been named to the Northwoods League (colligate wooden bat) all start game.

In 16 relief appearances for the Rochester Honkers Kadish has amassed a 1.98 ERA while striking out 29 batters compared to 5 walks.

Read about Kadish and the Northwoods League all star rosters here: http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=22&a=460973

Tommy Johnson Interview & Update

Former Marshall catcher Tommy Johnson is spending this season with the Travers City Beach Bums (Independent, Frontier League). In 104 plate appearances Johnson has a .183 batting average and 11 RBI’s.

Johnson spent two years in the Seattle Mariners system after getting draft in the 27th round of the 2008 MLB draft.

Johnson recently conducted a interview with the Grand Traverse Insider, click the link to read: http://www.morningstarpublishing.com/articles/2010/07/13/grand_traverse_insider/sports/beach_bums/doc4c3ca7b87be33452581431.txt\

Today's Marshall Sports News 7/14

From the Charleston Gazette, Kings give Whiteside financial security, opportunity for growth

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201007130980

From the Herald Dispatch, Big Green meets Old White

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1411936582/Big-Green-meets-Old-White

Hassan Whiteside & Tyler Wilkerson debut in NBA Summer League

Former Marshall big men Hassan Whiteside and Tyler Wilkerson made their NBA debuts last night.

In the Sacramento Kings summer league game against Detroit, Whiteside collected 5 rebounds and 5 blocks while scoring 5 points. Whiteside, who started at power forward, led the Kings in floor time with over 27 minutes. The Kings return to action tonight at 8:30pm against Los Angeles (Lakers), head over to NBA.com for live stats throughout the game.

Coming off the bench Tyler Wilkerson was able to score 6 points and grab 5 rebounds for the San Antonio Spurs summer league team. Despite a reserve role Wilkerson played just over 21 minutes, good enough for 6th on the team. Wilkerson and the Spurs next game is Wednesday at 6:30pm against Atlanta, head over to NBA.com for live stats throughout the game.

Check out one of Whiteside’s blocks here, at the 50 second mark: http://www.nba.com/summerleague/games/20100712/SACDET/gameinfo.html

Hassan Whiteside stats: http://www.nba.com/summerleague/games/20100712/SACDET/gameinfo.html

Tyler Wilkerson stats: http://www.nba.com/summerleague/games/20100712/SASMIN/gameinfo.html

Today's Marshall Sports News 7/13

From the Charleston Gazette, Marshall Game 4: Ohio

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201007120775

From the Herald Dispatch, Troy Brown entering Hall of Fame

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1411935958/Browns-HOF-enshrinement-approaches

From the Herald Dispatch, Whiteside plays first pro game

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x391894400/Whiteside-plays-first-pro-game

Hassan Whiteside’s NBA debut tonight

Hassan Whiteside will make his NBA debut tonight with the Sacramento Kings NBA Summer League team. Sacramento will be taking on Detroit at 6pm ET on the campus of UNLV. You can follow tonight’s game by following the link below (live stats).

http://www.nba.com/summerleague/gameline/20100712/

Today's Marshall Sports News 7/12

From the Charleston Gazette, Marshall football opponents: Bowling Green, Game 3

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201007090749

From the Herald Dispatch, Herd venues get makeover

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x575676825/Herd-venues-get-makeover

From the Herald Dispatch, Marshall athletics on the rise

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x575677264/Marshall-athletics-on-the-rise

Marshall Football after WV's top Preps

At the Charleston Gazette Mitch Vingle wrote an article detailing West Virginia's top prep football players. As you can imagine Marshall is after a number of these young men. Click the link to read:

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/todayssportscolumn/201007081087

Tyler Wilkerson with the San Antonio Spurs

Former Marshall forward Tyler Wilkerson has joined the San Antonio Spurs Las Vegas Summer League team.

The NBA sanctioned Las Vegas Summer League provides young players a chance to show their skills and get a small taste of professional basketball.

Follow this link to see Wilkerson’s teammates and the Spurs summer league schedule: http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/10707_spurs_summer_league_roster.html

Today's Marshall Sports News 7/9

From the Charleston Gazette, Herd's Whiteside signs with Kings

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201007081084

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Big Green pays out green to coaches

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201007080961

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Former Marquette player headed to Herd

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201007080970

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Kings sign Marshall's Whiteside

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201007080969

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Hassan signs (guaranteed deal) with Kings

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2010/07/08/hassan-signs-with-kings/

From the Herald Dispatch, MU football scores big at St. Mary's event

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1425748685/Marshall-football-scores-big-at-St-Marys-event

From the Herald Dispatch, Whiteside signs Kings contract

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1425748703/Whiteside-signs-Kings-contract

Marshall Alumni event with the Washington Nationals

From the D.C Alumni Group:

Hello Marshall Alums & Friends!

Our fellow Herd Alum , Devin Perry, has reserved 30 tickets in section 419, rows C, D, & E, seats 1 – 10.

Price is $15 per seat!

Nationals vs. St. Louis 8/28/10, go NATS!

**Please contact Devin at 202-640-7812 to purchase or email him at Devin.Perry@Nationals.com

**Tickets must be purchased by Friday, August 20th**Any tickets not purchased will be released to general sale on that date above so its important to purchase prior to that date

Today's Marshall Sports News 7/8

From the Charleston Gazette, Marshall opponents: Game 2, WVU

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201007071077

From the Herald Dispatch, MU gets a 7-foot-2 transfer

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/breaking/x1972938483/MU-gets-a-7-foot-2-transfer

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: NBA power broker once caught eye of the Herd

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x835674328/NBA-power-broker-once-caught-eye-of-the-Herd

Youssoupha Mbao to Marshall

From the Herald Dispatch: http://www.herald-dispatch.com/breaking/x1972938483/MU-gets-a-7-foot-2-transfer

HUNTINGTON – Youssoupha Mbao, a 7-foot-2, 220-pound center, has decided to transfer to Marshall University.

Mbao will be the tallest player in Herd basketball history.

The native of Dakar, Senegal, who is nicknamed “Yous,” is transferring from Marquette where he played only one season.

The 20-year-old played sparingly last season as a true freshman, appearing in only 10 games. He scored one point, grabbed seven rebounds and blocked five shots.

He missed the majority of the season due to knee and ankle injuries, not appearing in a game after Jan. 17.

Mbao picked Marshall over the University of Texas.

As a senior at Stoneridge Prep in Simi Valley, Calif., in 2008-09, Mbao averaged 13.4 points,
11.2 rebounds and 6.0 blocked shots.

HoopScoopOnline.com listed Mbao as the No. 125 prospect in the Class of 2009. ESPN.com ranked him as the 30th-best center prospect.

Mbao will sit out next year and, then, have three years of eligibility at Marshall.

Marshall Football in the Pros

Over at the Herd Insider (goherd.com) Woody Woodrum has put together a comprehensive list of former Herd players in professional football. The list includes every thing from the NFL to the USFA (United States Football Alliance). Head over to the Herd Insider to check it out:

http://www.goherd.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=281:marshall-players-in-professional-football-in-2010&catid=13:featured-news&Itemid=135

Today's Marshall Sports News 7/7/10

From the Charleston Gazette, Marshall hoops gets N.C. State transfer

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201007060827

From the Charleston Gazette, Moss, Mayo hand out donations to charities

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/201007060828

From the Charleston Gazette, WVU football opponents, Game 2: Marshall

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/201007060825

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall lands N.C. State transfer

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201007060853

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Here’s Johnny (Thomas)

http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2010/07/06/heres-johnny-thomas/

From the Herald Dispatch, Mayo, Moss help feed Tri-State

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/homepage/x1488968719/Mayo-Moss-take-part-in-community-feeding-effort

From the Herald Dispatch, Thundering Herd adds assistants to basketball, softball teams

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x2034994088/Thundering-Herd-adds-assistants-to-basketball-softball-teams

N.C States Johnny Thomas Coming to Marshall

From Rick McCann and the Herald Dispatch: http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1488968696/Marshall-lands-N-C-State-transfer

HUNTINGTON — Marshall University men’s basketball is getting a graduate transfer, 6-foot-6 Johnny Thomas, from N.C. State.

Thomas in on pace to earn an undergraduate degree this summer. Thomas will be graduating in just over three years, and will pursue other opportunities in both a masters program and to play basketball at another school to be determined, a news release from N.C. State said.

Sources told The Herald-Dispatch that Thomas chose Marshall. He has two years of eligibility.

The forward from Morehead City, N.C., has been bothered by a genetic knee injury, but in a story by the Raleigh (N.C.) News & Observer newspaper, Thomas said his knee is finally 100 percent, and he’s ready to play significant minutes for his new team.

Thomas appeared in 11 games for N.C. State last season, scoring nine points.

He was a medical red-shirt in the 2008-09 season and missed the entire 2007-08 season injured.

Johnny Higgins headed to Marshall?

Chuck Landon is reporting that Junior College guard Johnny Higgins will be part of Tom Herion’s inaugural recruiting class.

Higgins, a Baltimore native and 2007 graduate of Notre Dame (Mass) Prep has had a transient college career. Out of high school Higgins signed with Duquesne but never played for the Dukes due to a coaching change. After being released from his scholarship at Duquesne Higgins left for New Mexico. Higgins was dismissed from the Aggies before ever playing a game for violating team rules.

This past season Higgins played for Frank Phillip College (JC). In 26 games Higgins averaged 22.8 points.

Chuck Landon Article: http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x332195760/Under-the-radar-MU-recruiting-finished

09 – 10 Frank Phillip College basketball stats: http://www.fpctx.edu/Athletics/MbasketballStats/Combined%20Season%20Stats%2030%20games.mht

Today's Marshall Sports News 7/6

From the Charleston Gazette, Marshall Game 1: Ohio State

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201007050422

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Herrion's 2010 recruiting complete

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x332195760/Under-the-radar-MU-recruiting-finished

Vernard Roberts joins his brother at WVU

Marshall recruit Vernard Roberts has decided to join his brother at WVU, per the Washington Post:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/recruitinginsider/2010/07/west_virginia_doubles_its_plea.html?wprss=recruitinginsider

Dunbar football coach Craig Jefferies was getting text messages on his cell phone throughout Thursday morning with news that Crimson Tide seniors Vance and Vernard Roberts had orally committed to West Virginia.

Jefferies was puzzled. He thought the 5-foot-9 identical twins would take a few official visits in the fall, and then make a decision. So he called Vernard Roberts, who told him the good news.
"They threw me for a loop," Jefferies said. "I didn't think they were going to commit. I thought they were going to take some trips."

But West Virginia, Jefferies said, was the biggest program that had recruited the two of them together - Vance is pegged as a defensive back, while Vernard is slotted at running back.

"Part of the deal was that they wanted to play together," Jefferies said.

Even though they are genetically identical, Vance Roberts was more heavily recruited.

"It's real funny that that happened," Jefferies said. "I guess it's easier to find a 5-9 running back than it is a 5-9 defensive back. But Vernard is the bigger football player. Vance is just a great athlete."

Vance Roberts verbally commits to WVU

According to Mitch Vingle, Marshall football recruiting target Vance Roberts verbally committed to WVU. Robert’s plays cornerback at Dunbar High School in Washington D.C. Vance’s twin brother Vernard, who plays running back at Dunbar and has also been offered a scholarship by Marshall, did not follow Vance’s commitment.

Read more the full story here: http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/todayssportscolumn/201007010985

Today's Marshall Sports News 7/2

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Herd gives troubled back walk-on opportunity

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201007010979

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Herd's Shaq working his way back

http://dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201006301877

Today's Marshall Sports News 7/1

From the Charleston Daily Mail, Former Hoover coach and his student face similar fundraising obstacles

http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201006301879

From the Herald Dispatch, Seven-foot Marquette transfer considering Marshall

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x2072979964/Seven-foot-Marquette-transfer-considering-Marshall

From the Herald Dispatch, Busy week ahead for MU soccer coaches

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x2072979968/Busy-week-ahead-for-MU-soccer-coaches

From the Herald Dispatch, Chuck Landon: Florida DB liked 'We Are Marshall'

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x2072979956/Florida-DB-liked-We-Are-Marshall

From TylerStarNews.com, MU to put on camp at TCHS

http://www.tylerstarnews.com/page/content.detail/id/502016/MU-to-put-on-camp-at-TCHS.html?nav=5013