Friday, August 30, 2013

Marshall Football: Keys to the Game, Miami (Ohio)

During every football broadcast, the color commentator will go over his “keys to the game”, points of emphasis each team must focus on to secure victory. I thought you would appreciate a in-depth look at tomorrow’s showdown against Miami (Ohio) through the same format.  

Miami (Ohio)

1) Run the Ball – Despite defenses gearing up to stop quarterback Zach Dysert and his 3,483 passing yards, Miami could not find any room to run last season. In total the RedHawks only rushed for 1,039 yards on 339 attempts, good for a paltry 3.06 yards per carry.

Reports out of Oxford indicate that Miami will dedicate more plays to running the ball this season and they need to diversify their offense if they hope to upset Marshall tomorrow. The son of head coach Don Treadwell, running back Spencer Treadwell sits atop the RedHawks depth chart. On 65 attempts last season Spencer rushed for 234 yards and one touchdown.

2) Keep Pace – Marshall averaged just over 90 offensive snaps per game last year. The fast pace causes defensive mismatches and tired defenders for the Thundering Herd to exploit.

Miami had mixed results playing against similarly paced offenses last year, falling to Ball State (79 total plays per game) 31-24 but, they beat Akron (79 total plays per game) 56-49 and Ohio (76 total plays per game) 23-20.

3) Avoid Turnovers – When you are a underdog playing on the road nothing is more important than winning the turnover battle. In eight losses last season Miami had a turnover ratio of minus eight. In four wins the RedHawks registered a turnover ratio of positive three.

Marshall

1) Get in the End Zone – No, we not talking about touchdowns, we are talking about touchbacks. Of Marshall’s 83 kickoff attempts last year only six were taken for touchbacks. Amoreto Curraj hopes to reverse that trend in 2013. The freshman walk-on from Florida will handle kickoff duties on Saturday.

2) Get Off the Field -  Marshall was atrocious on third down last year, allowing opposing offenses to convert 44.51% of their attempts. The problems started up front with a weak pass rush that only totaled 19 sacks, tied for 87th in the nation. Marshall was thin in the defensive backfield too, playing most games with three healthy cornerbacks. Under new defensive coordinator Chuck Heater, the Herd needs improvement on third down to win Saturday and beyond.

3) Stretch the Field – Now a New England Patriot, wide receiver Aaron Dobson was Marshall’s biggest deep threat last season. Dobson’s ability to stretch the field also left room for fellow wide receivers Tommy Shuler and Antavious Wilson to operate underneath. Oft-injured yet talented redshirt sophomore Davonte Allen and Penn State transfer Devon Smith are vying to take over Dobson’s role at X-receiver. Will either of them be able to fill the the playing making void that Dobson’s absence created? 

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Marshall Football: Miami (Ohio) by the Numbers

Everything you need to know about the Miami RedHawks heading into Saturday’s showdown at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.

104 – The RedHawks ranking in total team defense out of 120 FBS teams last season. Miami (Ohio) allowed opponents to average 467.67 yards of offense per game.

1,039 – One of the nation’s worst running teams last year, Miami only rushed for 1,039 yards on 339 attempts, good for 3.06 yards per carry.

4 – The amount of career starts by RedHawks quarterback Austin Boucher, who will lead Miami’s offense into Joan C. Edwards Stadium Saturday night. Boucher made all four starts in 2010, passing for 990 yards and five touchdowns, helping Miami win the MAC Championship game over Northern Illinois and the GoDaddy.com Bowl against Middle Tennessee State.

870 –Then junior Nick Harwell lead Miami with 870 receiving last season but, he will be playing for the Kansas Jayhawks in 2013. Harwell was dismissed from the team this May and transferred to Kansas shortly thereafter.

5th – The predicted place of finish for Miami in the MAC East Division, as voted on by the leagues media members.

8 – Head coach Don Treadwell has notched eight wins in two seasons at Miami. His only victory against a non-MAC FBS opponent, Army in 2011. Of Treadwell’s eight wins, only two have occurred on the road.

23.5 – After missing ten games last season and receiving a medical redshirt, senior defensive tackle Austin Brown is back to anchor Miami’s defensive line. During his career Brown has registered 23.5 tackles for loss.

1 – The amount of All-MAC first or second team selections Miami returns from 2012. The lone All-MAC performer was senior cornerback Dayonne Nunley. A legitimate NFL prospect, Nunley has picked off 12 career passes.

60 – The margin of victory recorded by Miami in 1971 when they defeated the “Young Thundering Herd” 66-6.


Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Marshall Football: In Depth with Herd Depth Chart

Marshall head football coach Doc Holliday released his first depth chart of 2013 ahead of Saturday's game against Miami (Ohio). While it did not answer every question, today's announcement provided incite into what personnel the Thundering Herd plans to use this season.

You can find the full depth chart by clicking here, it starts on page 12. We have added are own notes below.

1) At X-wide receiver sophomore Davonte Allen and senior Devon Smith are both listed as potential starters. Craig Wilkins will start at the Z position. His backup is true freshman Justin Hunt who figures to burn his redshirt. As expected Tommy Shuler will man his position in the slot.

2) From left to right Marshall's offensive line:

LT - Gagne Niemeyer
LG - Sebastian Johannson or Josh Lovell
C- Chris Jasperse or Michael Selby*
RG - Alex Schooler
RT - Garrett Scott

* Recovering from concussion related symptoms, sophomore center Cameron Dees was not listed on the depth chart. Dees was a All Freshman C-USA selection in 2012. Despite not being listed, Holliday expects Dees to be cleared for contact before Saturday. It also looks like Michael Selby will play as a true freshman.

3) Eric Frohnaphel and Devon Johnson are listed as co-backup tight ends. Gator Hoskins is your starter.

4) Essray Taliaferro maintained his August long hold on the starting running back job although, Kevin Grooms is a co-starter.

5) Defensive ends Jeremiah Taylor, Ra'Shawde Myers, and Alex Bazzie are all listed as co-starters.

6) Clemson transfer Josh Brown is not among the two deep at nose tackle or defensive tackle. The four co-starters at those positions are Brandon Sparrow, Jarquez Samuel, Steve Dillon, and James Rouse.

7) In there nickle package, Jermaine Holmes (middle) and Evan McKelvey (weak side) will man the linebacker positions. Junior college transfer Neville Hewitt is listed as McKelvey's co-starter. In three linebacker sets Raheem Waiters is listed at the strong side position.

8) Three corners, Monterius Lovett, Derrick Thomas, and Darryl Roberts are co-starters for only two starting spots.

9) Starting safety's, D.J. Hunter (strong) and Taj Letman (free).

10) Freshman walk-on kicker Amoreto Curraj will serve as Marshall's kickoff specialist. Field goals and extra points are the domain of Justin Haig.

11) Kick returners - Butler, DeAndre Reaves, Grooms, or Taliaferro.

12) Punt returners - Smith or Shuler.

Marshall Basketball: Herd Announces 2013-2014 Schedule

Marshall unveiled its 2013-2014 men’s basketball schedule earlier today.  The full schedule and a few points of interest are below.
  • The Herd plays three games against NAIA opponents, October 28th vs. Concord, November 12th vs. Rio Grande, and December 18th vs. Alice Lloyd College. Concord is listed as an exhibition, the other two are part of the regular season schedule.
  • Marshall is playing one opponent from the Big Ten (at Penn State Dec. 7th), one from the Big 12 (WVU Dec. 14th) and two from the SEC (at Vanderbilt Dec. 5th & at South Carolina Dec. 30th). The annual matchup against WVU will be played as part of the Capital Classic at the Charleston Civic Center.  Penn State and South Carolina will make trips to the Cam Henderson Center in either 2014 or 2015. 
  • The out of conference schedule includes two teams that qualified for the 2013 NCAA Tournament, Akron and Western Kentucky in addition to a NIT participant, Stephen F. Austin.
  • For the third straight season Marshall will participate in a NCAA exempt event. The Roundball Showcase includes three games in Huntington over six days, Stephen F. Austin Nov. 21st, UNC Wilmington Nov. 23rd and Western Kentucky Nov. 26th. To close out the Roundball Showcase Marshall travels to East Tennessee State Nov. 30th.  
  • The Ohio Bobcats previously made a commitment to play at the Cam Henderson Center this upcoming season but, they do not appear on the schedule.
  • Of Marshall’s 16 out of conference opponents the following five finished 2013 with the highest RPI:
1) Akron #47 overall
2) Stephen F. Austin #70 overall
3) Vanderbilt #110 overall
4) WVU #145 overall
      5) WKU #154 overall

Date                       Opponent
Oct. 28                   Concord (Exhibition)                                          
Nov. 8                    South Carolina State                                          
Nov. 12                  Rio Grande                                                           
Nov. 17                  at Morehead State                                              
Nov. 21                  Stephen F. Austin^                                            
Nov. 23                  UNC Wilmington^                                              
Nov. 26                  Western Kentucky^                                           
Nov. 30                  at East Tennessee State^                                   
Dec. 5                     at Vanderbilt                                                        
Dec. 7                     at Penn State                                                       
Dec. 14                  vs. West Virginia#                                               
Dec. 17                  Alice Lloyd                                                            
Dec. 21                  Arkansas State                                                    
Dec. 30                  at South Carolina                                                 
Jan. 2                      at Akron                                                                
Jan. 5                      Presbyterian                                                        
Jan. 9                      at UTSA*                                                               
Jan. 11                    at UTEP*                                                               
Jan. 16                   North Texas*                                                       
Jan. 18                   Tulsa*                                                                    
Jan. 23                    at Rice*                                                                 
Jan. 25                    at Louisiana Tech*                                              
Jan. 30                   FIU*                                                                      
Feb. 1                     Florida Atlantic*                                                 
Feb. 7                     at Southern Miss*                                               
Feb. 9                     at Tulane*                                                            
Feb. 15                   at Charlotte*                                                        
Feb. 20                  UAB*                                                                     
Feb. 22                  Middle Tennessee*                                            
Feb. 27                   at Old Dominion*                                                
March 2                 East Carolina*                                                      
March 6                 Charlotte*                                                           

^ Roundball Showcase
# Capital Classic, at Charleston Civic Center
* Conference USA game

Monday, August 26, 2013

Marshall in the NFL: Preseason Week 3

Weekly review of Marshall alumni in the National Football League.

1. Daniel Baldridge, Offensive Tackle, Tennessee Titans

Daniel Baldridge continued his quest to become the Tennessee's backup left tackle, helping the Titans reserve running backs rush for 58 yards on 18 carries. 

2. Ahmad Bradshaw, Running Back, Indianapolis Colts

Even though he started to practice in pads last week, Ahmad Bradshaw was held out of the Indianapolis Colts third preseason game.

3. Omar Brown, Safety, Baltimore Ravens

Fighting for the Ravens fourth safety spot, Omar Brown did not record any tackles during the Baltimore's third preseason game.

4. Vinny Curry, Defensive End, Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Vinny Curry continued his impressive preseason, sacking Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne, recording two other tackles, and a forced fumble. 

5. Aaron Dobson, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots

Needing an impressive performance to keep pace with fellow rookie wideout Kenbrell Thompkins, Aaron Dobson caught four passes on eight targets for 50 yards in the New England Patriots 40-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. 

6. Mario Harvey, Linebacker, Indianapolis Colts

Mario Harvey lead Indianapolis with five total tackles and he added a sack during the Colts third preseason game.

7. Albert McClellan, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens

From his spot at middle linebacker, Albert McClellan lead the Ravens in tackles, recording six with one sack and a pass defended. 

8. Doug Legursky, Guard/Center, Buffalo Bills

Doug Legursky primarily saw time at backup left guard during the Buffalo Bills 30-7 loss to the Washington Redskins. 

9. Lee Smith, Tight End, Buffalo Bills

Although he did not catch a pass, Bill's tight end Lee Smith played with Buffalo's first and second team offenses. He also appeared in various special teams packages.

10. C.J. Spillman, Safety, San Francisco 49ers

C.J. Spillman had a strong third preseason game for the San Francisco 49ers, recording two tackles, one interception, and a pass defended. 

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Commitment of the Week: Hyleck Foster

A new feature on the Thundering Blog, we are reviewing the weekly performances of Marshall's verbal commitments and anointing one football recruit our "Commitment of the Week". 

One of the most dynamic members in Marshall's 2014 recruiting class, do everything athlete Hyleck Foster is our inaugural "Commitment of the Week".

Arguably the top high school football team in South Carolina, Northwestern beat Foster's Gaffney Indians 51-19. Despite the large margin of defeat, Foster still put up impressive numbers. From his spot at running back, Foster carried the ball 15 times for 71 yards and Gaffney's only touchdown. Through the air he also caught a team high seven balls for 43 yards. On special teams Foster returned two kicks for 74 yards and recorded 87 yards on three punt returns.

Commitment of the Week
Week 1) Hyleck Foster


Saturday, August 24, 2013

Marshall Football: Trayvon Williams Commits to Herd

First announced via his Twitter account, offensive lineman Trayvon Williams made a verbal commitment to Marshall University yesterday afternoon.

Williams already boast college level size, standing 6-foot-3, 316 pounds. Besides Marshall, he also had scholarship offers from Buffalo, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Georgia Southern, Louisianian Lafayette, and Middle Tennessee.

Williams Camden County team host a number division one prospects including defensive backs Kalvaraz Bessent and Chris Williams. Both have committed to Alabama.

For more on Trayvon follow the links below.

1) Rivals.com profile
2) Scout.com profile
3) Hudl profile (with video highlights)




Marshall Soccer: Herd Opens "The Vet" with Win

Playing their first game in Marshall's new, $8 million soccer complex, the Thundering Herd women defeated Campbell University 3-0.

Sophomore Erin Simmons recorded the opening goal 1 minute and 35 seconds into the game, beating Campbell's goalkeeper off a cross from senior Casey Walsh. 

In a pregame ceremony, the playing surface at Veterans Memorial Soccer Complex was christened Hoops Family Field, in honor of Revelation Energy CEO Jeff Hoops. Hoops made a sizable donation to Marshall's Vision Campaign, including the soccer complex. 

Also before the game, Marshall's equipment staff surprised the team with new jerseys, they look pretty sweet.

Embedded image permalink
Picture courtesy Marshall University's athletic equipment staff, @HerdEquipment. 

Friday, August 23, 2013

Marshall Football: Herd Removes Names from Back of Jerseys

Speaking at yesterday’s Paint the Capital Green event in Charleston, W.V., Marshall football coach Doc Holliday announced that individual names would not adorned the Thundering Herds jerseys during the upcoming season.

Holliday described his motivation for making the change in an interview with Charleston Daily Mail reporter Derek Redd. A video of the interview is below.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Marshall Football: Injury Updates & What will Replace the Liberty Bowl?

1) Billy Mitchell suffered a concussion during the opening days of preseason practice and has missed most of camp. The senior linebacker endured a similar injury last August that kept him sidelined until late October. Now recovering from at least his second head injury, Chuck Landon of the Herald Dispatch is hearing rumors that Mitchell has considered calling it a career.

On the topic of head injuries, defensive end Ricardo Williams, cornerback Tiquan Lang, and center Cam Dees are also recovering from concussions.

2) Also on the injury front, linebacker Stefan Houston suffered an ankle injury during last Saturday’s scrimmage. No official word on when Houston can resume football activities but, head coach Doc Holliday indicated it would be at least a couple of weeks.

At wide receiver, Tommy Shuler (foot surgery) has progressed to taking reps during individual drills and Davonte Allen shed his red no contact jersey.

3) Conference USA announced a number of bowl game agreements earlier this week. On that note, HerdZone.com columnist Jack Bogaczyk tackled the question of where C-USA’s champion would play.  Since Marshall joined in 2005, the Liberty Bowl has hosted C-USA’s football champion. The Liberty Bowl doesn’t have an agreement with C-USA past this postseason and Bogaczyk writes that future champions might be allowed to pick their bowl destination as opposed to a predetermined location. 

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Marshall in the NFL: Preseason Week 2

Weekly review of Marshall alumni in the National Football League.

1. Daniel Baldridge, Offensive Tackle, Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans backup left tackle, Daniel Baldridge helped keep reserve quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick on his feet, not yielding a sack. Fitzpatrick also passed for two touchdowns and 136 yards during Tennessee's 27-19 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

2. Ahmad Bradshaw, Running Back, Indianapolis Colts

Activated from the physically unable to perform list last Monday, Colts running back Ahmad Bradshaw did not play in Indianapolis's 20-12 win over the New York Giants.

3. Omar Brown, Safety, Baltimore Ravens

After being held out of the first preseason game, Baltimore Ravens Omar Brown played in week two, recording three tackles and one assisted tackle during a 27-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons. 

4. Vinny Curry, Defensive End, Philadelphia Eagles

Vinny Curry had another strong preseason performance against the Carolina Panthers, registering two tackles and a pass defended in a 14-9 Philadelphia Eagles win.

5. Aaron Dobson, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots

Although Aaron Dobson only appeared in two plays with Patriots starting quarterback Tom Brady, he still caught two passes for 30 yards on five targets. New England defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 25-21.  

6. Mario Harvey, Linebacker, Indianapolis Colts

Mario Harvey returned to practice (hamstring injury) three days before the Colts preseason game against New York but did not record any stats.

7. Johnny Jones, Defensive Tackle, Oakland Raiders

Johnny Jones was waived by the Oakland Raiders on August 5th.

8. Albert McClellan, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens

From his spot at inside linebacker Albert McClellan registered five tackles and a fumble recovery during the Ravens week two preseason game. 

9. Doug Legursky, Guard/Center, Buffalo Bills

It looks like Doug Legursky is falling behind Colin Brown for the starting left guard job in Buffalo. He received second team work during the Bills 20-16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

10. Lee Smith, Tight End, Buffalo Bills

Lee Smith caught one pass for one yard in the Bills second preseason game.

11. C.J. Spillman, Safety, San Francisco 49ers

Seeing his first team reps diminish during training camp with the emergence of first round draft pick Eric Reid, C.J. Spillman recorded one tackle during the San Francisco 49ers 15-13 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. 

C-USA Announces Bowl Lineup for 2014 & Beyond

Conference USA announced a number of bowl game agreements today that will carry the league through 2019.

Keeping an existing partner, C-USA reached a agreement with the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl through the 2019 postseason. Played in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, C-USA will compete against a Sun Belt Conference opponent.

The league also announced agreements with five other bowl games, all owned and operated by ESPN Regional Television. They are the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl, Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, Gildan New Mexico Bowl, Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, and the Heart of Dallas Bowl.

C-USA will participate in three of those bowls every year over the next six seasons, the Armed Forces, New Mexico, and Heart of Dallas Bowl. The other two bowls, Beef 'O' Brady's and Sheraton Hawaii, will host a C-USA opponent three of the next six years.

C-USA is scheduled to play the following leagues in each bowl game, New Mexico (MWC), Beef 'O' Brady's (ACC or AAC), Heart of Dallas (Big 10 or Big 12), and Armed Forces (Big 10 or Big 12).

Brett McMurphy of ESPN is reporting that C-USA will also participate in two newly created bowl games, one in Boca Raton Fla., and the other in Nassau, Bahamas. The Boca Raton bowl will take place at FAU Stadium while 15,000 seat Thomas Robinson Stadium host the Bahamian game. Both bowls will debut in 2014.

Marshall Basketball: Herd Takes Down McMaster 81-56

Marshall out scored McMaster University by 25 points in the first three quarters, defeating the Canadian squad 81-56 for their forth win in four days.

The Herd was lead by senior forward Elijah Pittman who almost recorded a double-double with 18 points and nine rebounds.

For more on Monday's game follow the links below.

Box Score

HerdZone.com

Excellent Second Half Gives Herd 81-56 Win

Blog: Hamilton Amusement

Huntington Herald Dispatch

Herd men's hoops dominate McMaster, 81-56

Monday, August 19, 2013

Marshall Basketball: Herd Wins at Western 81-68

Despite playing its third game in three days Marshall put forward a solid effort Sunday evening, defeating Western University 81-68.

The game was played on Western’s home court, Alumni Hall in London, Ontario. Redshirt freshman point guard Kareem Canty lead the Thundering Herd with 24 points. He also added a team high six assist and four rebounds.

Marshall returns to action this evening for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off at McMaster University.

For more on yesterday’s game follow the links below.


HerdZone.com



Huntington Herald Dispatch

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Marshall Football: Practice Report 8/17/13

A collection of notes and articles from yesterday's scrimmage at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.

Herd Insider

Herd shines under the lights with six offensive scores and improving defense getting in on scoring

HerdZone.com

Hewitt, Other Newcomers Make Defensive Impact

WV Metro News

Offense makes strides in scrimmage

Huntington Herald Dispatch

Offense finds rhythm during scrimmage

Chuck Landon: Expect Johnson to shine for Herd

MU Sports Blog with Derek Redd

Marshall football practice, Scrimmage No. 2

Charleston Gazette

Defense turns in another solid performance

Marshall Basketball: Herd Squeaks Past Windsor 84-80

Ryan Taylor recorded his second double-double in two days, scoring 20 points and grabbing 11 rebounds during Marshall's 84-80 win at the University of Windsor.

The Thundering Herd continues its Canadian exhibition trip today with a 3 p.m. tip-off in London, Ontario against Western University.

For more on yesterday's game follow the links below.

HerdZone.com

Marshall Pulls Away, Beats Windsor 84-80

Blog: From Where?

Huntington Herald Dispatch

Marshall edges Windsor in Canada, 84-80

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Marshall Football: Practice Report 8/16/13

A collection of articles and notes on yesterday's practice sessions.

Huntington Herald Dispatch

Punter more comfortable this season

Chuck Landon: Herd's Legget out to disprove naysayers

MU Football Notebook: Freshman offensive lineman Selby impressive

MU Sports Blog with Derek Redd

Marshall football practice, Day 11

Charleston Gazette

Stability welcome on MU front

Beckley's Van Horn making his mark

WV Metro News

Herd maintaining high intensity in camp

Associated Press

Cato's return has Thundering Herd confident

Marshall Basketball: Herd Starts Canada Trip with Win

Playing their first game in a five day Canadian road trip, Marshall's men's basketball team defeated Algoma University 99-54 in Windsor, Ontario.

The Herd was lead by redshirt freshman forward Ryan Taylor who paced all scorers with 20 points. He also grabbed 10 rebounds to record a double-double.

For more on yesterday's game follow the links below.

HerdZone.com

Herd Rolls in Tour Opener, 99-54

Blog: Where the Cell Phones Roam

Huntington Herald Dispatch

Herd wins in Canada

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Marshall Football: Traevon Sharp Verbally Commits to Thundering Herd

For the second time in two days Marshall’s football staff has secured a verbal commitment, this time from Florida defensive end Traevon Sharp.

A two star recruit according to Rivals.com, Sharp was named the third best defensive lineman in Central Florida according to the Orlando Sentinel. Besides Marshall, he also had scholarship offers from Cincinnati, Louisville, and South Alabama. According to various reports Sharp was also receiving interest from Florida State.

Sharp announced his commitment via Twitter. A three year starter at defensive end for Evans High School, he stands 6-foot-5, 230 pounds.

For more on Sharp follow the links below.

2) 247Sports profile


Marshall Football: Practice Report 8/14/13

A collection of articles and notes from yesterday’s practice sessions.

Huntington Herald Dispatch




Charleston Daily Mail



MU Sports Blog with Derek Redd


The Charleston Gazette


Marshall Basketball: Pittman Allowed on Canada Trip, Bond set at $1,000

Appearing in Cabell County Circuit Court yesterday, Marshall University basketball player Elijah Pittman was arraigned on charges of misdemeanor battery.

Pittman was in court following a October 2012 incident where he allegedly got into a physical confrontation with fellow Marshall student Mazen Younis. Huntington Police Detective Rob Stinnett reported that Younis suffered a concussion, broken nose, and facial fractures during the incident.

Presiding over the hearing, Judge Alfred Ferguson set Pittman’s bond a $1,000 and granted him permission to travel with Marshall’s basketball team during their five-game exhibition trip in Canada

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Marshall Football: LaDerrick Hammond Gives Verbal Commitment to the Thundering Herd

First reported by Rivals.com, Georgia safety LaDerrick Hammond has given a verbal commitment to Marshall University.

During his junior season Hammond registered 112 tackles, seven pass break ups, three tackles for loss, and a interception. He was also named a All-Area First Team defender by the Augusta Chronicle.  

Hammond stands 6-foot-1, 175 pounds. Besides Marshall he also received scholarship offers from Georgia State, Georgia Southern, and Western Kentucky.

For more on Hammond follow the links below.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Marshall Basketball: Pittman Indicted for Misdemeanor Battery

A Huntington grand jury has indicted Marshall basketball player Elijah Pittman on a misdemeanor battery charge.

The indictment stems from a October 2012 incident where Pittman got into a physical confrontation with another Marshall student, Mazen Younis.

Huntington Police Detective Rob Stinnett told WSAZ.com that Younis suffered a concussion, broken nose, and facial fractures during the altercation.

For more information on Pittman's indictment please visit the links below.

WSAZ.com


Monday, August 12, 2013

Marshall in the NFL: Preseason Week 1

Weekly review of Marshall alumni in the National Football League.

1. Daniel Baldridge, Offensive Tackle, Tennessee Titans

Taking his place as the Tennessee Titans backup left tackle, Daniel Baldridge helped reserve quarterbacks Ryan Fitzpatrick and Rusty Smith complete 10 of 15 pass attempts for 98 yards and one touchdown. Tennessee's second team offensive line also held the Washington Redskins defense without a sack.

One other note, Baldridge has started a second career as a country music artist. 

2. Ahmad Bradshaw, Running Back, Indianapolis Colts

Ahmad Bradshaw was activated from the physically unable to preform list on Monday but, not before the the Indianapolis Colts 44-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills this weekend.

3. Omar Brown, Safety, Baltimore Ravens

Omar Brown was held out of the Ravens week one preseason win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with an undisclosed injury.

4. Vinny Curry, Defensive End, Philadelphia Eagles

Playing in the Philadelphia Eagles new 3-4 defense, Vinny Curry registered two tackles, two quarterback hurries, and a half sack on New England Patriots quarterback Tim Tebow. The Eagles official website called Curry's play "relentless".  

5. Aaron Dobson, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots

In his first game as a professional Aaron Dobson played with the Patriots first team offense, catching both passes thrown his way for 35 yards. 

6. Mario Harvey, Linebacker, Indianapolis Colts

Mario Harvey sat out the Colts first preseason game while recovering from a mild hamstring injury.

7. Johnny Jones, Defensive Tackle, Oakland Raiders

In a 19-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Johnny Jones did not record any stats.

8. Albert McClellan, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens

Competing for a starting job at inside linebacker, Albert McClellan failed to register a tackle in Baltimore's preseason opener against Tampa Bay.

9. Doug Legursky, Guard/Center, Buffalo Bills

Doug Legursky is fighting to become the Bills starting left guard but he only received second team reps during Sunday's game at Indianapolis.  

10. Lee Smith, Tight End, Buffalo Bills

Playing with Buffalo's first and second team offense, Lee Smith caught one pass for two yards in the Bills first preseason game. 

11. C.J. Spillman, Safety, San Francisco 49ers

C.J. Spillman delivered a number of big hits in the San Francisco 49ers 10-6 loss to the Denver Broncos. In total Spillman recorded four tackles from his spot at safety and special teams.