Typically you don't get big additions on the fourth day of practice but that is exactly what Marshall's football team received on Thursday. We were a bit early reporting his addition on Monday but, former Penn State defensive back Derrick Thomas joined the Herd for the first time yesterday. Thomas will be eligible immediately and has two years of eligibility remaining. No word yet on Thomas's former Penn State teammate Devon Smith, who was also expected to join Marshall's football team.
The addition of Thomas came a bit to late for his defensive teammates during the morning session. According to the practice report of Charleston Daily Mail reporter Derek Redd, defensive coordinator Chris Rippon made his side of the ball barrel roll the length of Joan C. Edwards Stadium's field turf after a particularly poor performance.
Speaking defense, Doug Smock of the Charleston Gazette took time to profile sophomore linebacker Jermaine Holmes. As a true freshman Holmes made 26 tackles last year but was admittedly overwhelmed at times. This season the Valdosta Georgia native is penciled in as the starting middle linebacker after the graduation of Tyson Gale, now a graduate assistant on Marshall's football staff.
Smock also submitted a practice report of his own, once again detailing the exploits of lightning quick running back Kevin Grooms. On one play Grooms outran A.J Leggett for a touchdown after the defensive back appeared an angle on his fellow Florida native.
Over at GoHerd.com Woody Woodrum took a long look at kicker Justin Haig. The kicking game was a big concern for Marshall entering camp but Haig has quieted those fears. Thursday the redshirt sophomore hit seven of nine field goal attempts including one from 44 yards. One reason for Haig's improved performance has been the addition of true freshman long snapper Matt Cincotta. Playing a little of defense today Cincotta, a high school linebacker, intercepted a Blake Frohnafel pass and returned it 70 yards for a touchdown.
The Herd will practice as one unit tomorrow around 2:30pm as they strap on full pads for the first time.
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