Marshall Football: Recruiting Hits the Homestretch

In just under three weeks, Marshall will unveil it's 2014 recruiting class. With a few scholarships still available, we have compiled the Herd's current commitments and who head coach Doc Holliday and the football staff are pursuing.

First and foremost, two commitments from last year's recruiting class will not make their way to Huntington, offensive lineman Gerald Wright and wide receiver Shykeem Pitts. Wright enrolled at New York's Milford Academy in the fall, but did not stay through the semester. Pitts was arrested in April after stealing an ATV. He is attending Georgia Military College.

In addition to Wright and Pitts, two prospects we previously reported as committed are no longer part of this year's recruiting class. They are defensive tackle Ja'ree Tolbert and defensive end Traevon Sharp.

Lets shift focus to who is showing up. By last September the Herd picked up two transfers, former Miami defensive end Ricardo Williams and ex-Virginia Tech defensive back Donaldven Manning. They won't be eligible for spring practice, but should be good to go in August.

In addition to Manning and Williams, a couple high school prospects not previously associated with Marshall's 2013 recruiting class joined the team last August, wide receiver Rodney Allen, linebacker Raheim Huskey, and defensive end Jalen Stevenson. Those three join fellow academically ineligible players already enrolled at Marshall, running back Brandon Byrd, linebacker/running back Tony Pittman, and defensive back D'Andre Wilson, that will count against this years recruiting class.

Fourteen high school prospects have given Marshall a verbal commitment, they are...

1) Emanuel Beal, WR, Georgia
2) Ryan Bee, DE, Ohio
3) Alex Cason, WR, Georgia
4) Keion Davis, WR, Georgia
5) Jordan Dowrey, DT, Virginia
6) Stanley Dye. DB, Florida
7) Hyleck Foster, WR, South Carolina
8) Cole Garvin, QB, Georgia*
9) Nyquan Harris, DT, Virginia
10) LaDerrick Hammond, DB, Georgia
11) Frankie Hernandez, LB Florida
12) Tomell One, DE, Florida
13) Rayjon Simes, DE, Georgia
14) Reese Wooten, WR, Georgia
15) Ryan Yurachek, TE, South Carolina

* Enrolled at Marshall for the spring semester on Monday

The Herd also has also secured verbal commitments from five prep school recruits. Of the group, A.J. Addison, Malik Thompson, Matthew Santer, and Jason Smith enrolled at Marshall on Monday.

1) A.J. Addison, OL, Fork Union
2) Ryheem Lockley, WR, Fork Union
3) Malik Thompson, DE, Fork Union
4) Matthew Santer, DB, Fork Union
5) Jason Smith, DE, East Coast Prep

Less than three weeks away from national signing day, Marshall's biggest need is junior college offensive tackles. Offensive line coach Alex Mirabal told Chuck Landon of the Huntington Herald Dispatch that he needed at least two junior college left tackles in this years recruiting class. Without a single JUCO commitment, Mirabal will not get his wish before spring practice.

Marshall is targeting the following junior college offensive tackles.

1) Raul Martinez, Pasadena City, OT
2) Dominic Grando, Golden West, OT
3) Brandon Mitchell, Pierce College, OT

Marshall is also hosting 13 prospects on official visits this weekend. Three of them are...

1) Maurice Hall, ATH, Florida
2) Jamal Davis, LB, Ohio
3) Josh Black, LB, Florida

We will have all the answers on national signing day, February 5th. Until then, remember that verbal commitments are non-binding and a lot can change in the next few weeks.

Marshall Football: Breaking Down the 2013 Recruiting Class

Marshall's football program received 29 letters of intent earlier today and the accolades are rolling in with them. Rivals.com ranks the Thundering Herd's recruiting class as the best among schools that will make up Conference USA next year and beyond.

The 29 commitments fall into many different categories, high school seniors, prep school players, junior college transfers, non-qualifiers, grayshirts, and BCS transfers. We have classified each signee with additional background information below.

High School Seniors

1) Kevin Anderson, QB, Boca Raton High School, Fla. (Enrolled)

During his senior season Anderson completed 40-of-81 passes for 509 yards and five touchdowns with two interceptions before suffering a season-ending injury (broken collarbone). 

2) Michael Selby, OL, Washington County High School, Ga.

Listed at six-foot-three, 273 pounds, Selby is rated a three star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com. Besides Marshall, Selby also had scholarship offers from Mississippi State and Middle Tennessee.

3) Aaron Plantt, LB, Hallandale High School, Fla.

Plantt committed to Utah State over the summer but he began to waiver in the fall, taking visits to Liberty and Appalachian State. One of the leaders on Hallandale High Schools defense, Plantt stands at six-foot-one, 202 pounds.

4) Sandley Jean-Felix, OL, Boyd Anderson High School, Fla.

A three star prospect out of Florida’s Boyd Anderson High School, Jean-Felix gave a verbal pledge to FIU this fall but re-opened his recruitment after the Golden Panthers fired former head coach Mario Cristobal. He is listed at six-foot-five, 300 pounds.

5) Shykeem Pitts, WR, Ridge Community High School, Fla.

Pitts wore a number of hats at Florida's Ridge Community High School. The teams starting quarterback, Pitts completed 21 passes on 38 attempts for 339 yards and two touchdowns. A dual threat, he also rushed for seven scores and 289 yards. At wide receiver Pitts caught seven passes for 45 yards. On defense, the three star prospect registered ten tackles and a forced fumble.

6) Tony Pittman, RB, Phoebus High School, Va.

A power runner, Pittman lead Phoebus High School (VA) with 1,784 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns despite missing the seasons first three games. He is expected to play defense at Marshall.

7) Chris Huhn, OL, Pickerington North High School, Oh.

Sporting tremendous size, the Pickerington Ohio native stands six-foot-six, 290 pounds. Huhn is rated a three star prospect according to Rivals.com. Besides Marshall, he also held scholarship offers from Louisville and many Mid American Conference schools.

8) Jeremiah Benjamin, LB, McArthur High School, Fla.

Standing six-foot-two, 220 pounds, Benjamin has been rated the 20th best linebacker prospect in the class of 2013 by ESPN.com. Besides Marshall, Benjamin had scholarship offers from many other schools including WVU, Purdue, Texas A&M, Kentucky, and FAU.

9) Michael Johnson, DB, Booker T. Washington High School, Fla.

Johnson made 37 tackles and three interceptions in 2012, after 75 tackles and five interceptions in 2011. Associated Press Florida Class 4A All-State second team pick at DB his senior season. 

10) Gerald Wright, OL, Miami Northwestern High School, Fla.

With the help of Wright's blocking, Miami Northwestern amassed 3,660 total yards (1,465 passing and 2,195 rushing) this year en-route to a 9-3 record and Class 6A state playoff appearance.

11) Cody Collins, OL, Trotwood-Madison High School, Oh.

With the help of Collins' blocking, Trotwood-Madison gained 5,200 total yards (1,678 passing and 3,522 rushing) in 2012, and finished with a championship-game loss in the Division II state playoffs.

12) Tiquan Lang, DB. Lowndes High School, Ga.

A all state selection in Georgia, Lang was a versatile weapon at Lowndes High School. During his senior season Lang averaged 19.4 yards per punt return and 36.6 yards per kickoff return while scoring three special teams touchdowns. At safety, the position he is expected to play in college, Lang intercepted a team high four passes. Not to be left out of the offense, he also scored six rushing touchdowns.

13) D'Andre "Chocolate" Wilson, DB, Myrtle Beach High School, Sc.

Sidelined with a knee injury, Wilson only played two games this season, recording 15 tackles. Recorded 39 tackles, six interceptions, two fumbles recoveries, and two defensive touchdowns as a junior in 2011.

14) Josh Knight, WR, Fort Pierce Central High School, Fla.

Knight finished his senior season with 29 catches for 383 yards and five touchdowns. Had 29 catches for 365 yards and six scores as a junior.

15) Brandon Byrd, RB, East Bayside High School, Fla.

Standing six-feet, 185 pounds, Byrd was a versatile offensive weapon at East Bay High School, Fla. The teams primary ball carrier, he rushed for 470 yards and nine touchdowns while also catching 11 passes for 191 and two scores during his senior season.

16) Justin Hunt, WR, Whitehaven High School, Tenn.

Finished senior season with 21 catches for 405 yards and four touchdowns for Whitehaven.

Prep School Enrolees

1) Stefan Houston, LB, Fork Union Military Academy, Va. (Enrolled)

Houston signed with Maryland last February, turning down offers from West Virginia, East Carolina and Rutgers, after starring at Clarksburg (Md.) High . Attended prep school at Fork Union. Had more than 100 tackles and two interceptions as a high school senior. 

2) Angelo Jean Louis, WR, Fork Union Military Academy, Va. (Enrolled)

Jean-Louis signed with Miami (Fla.) last February but, he ended up attending Fork Union Military Academy this fall. Honorable mention Class 8A Florida All-State (utility player) at Palm Beach Central High School his senior season.

3) Deontey McManus, WR, Atlanta Sports Academy, Ga. (Enrolled)

Originally a Class of 2012 prospect, McManus signed with West Virginia after spurning offers from Alabama, Auburn, and Clemson among many others. As a high school senior he caught 38 passes for 561 yards and six touchdowns.

Junior College Transfers

1) Taj Letman, DB, Holmes Community College, Ok. (Enrolled)

Letman did not play in 2012 after suffering a season-ending injury on the first day of preseason practice. He had 59 tackles and 10 pass breakups for Holmes Community College in 2011. Has three seasons of eligibility remaining.

2) Neville Hewitt, DB, Georgia Military College, Ga.

A two year player at Georgia Military College, Hewitt registered a team high 65 tackles as a freshman. In 2012 the six-foot-two, 220 pound safety was named a National Junior College Athletic Association All American honorable mention.

3) Arnold Blackmon, DE, Navarro Junior College, Tx.

This season, Blackmon led the Southwest Junior College Conference with 21 tackles for loss and was second in the league with eight sacks.

2012 Academic Non-Qualifiers

1) Gary Thompson, LB, Helix Charter High School, Ca. (Enrolled)

Thompson was originally a member of the Herd's 2012 recruiting class. Two-way starter who led Helix (13-1) to the California Division II state championship in 2011.

2) Corey Tindal, DB, Atlanta Sports Academy, Ga. (Enrolled)

Tindal was originally a member of the Herd's 2012 recruiting class after signing with FIU in 2011. Spent a prep season at the Atlanta Sports Academy.

3) Kent Turene, LB, Atlanta Sports Academy, Ga. (Enrolled)

Turene originally signed with Georgia but was a member of the Herd's 2012 recruiting class. Spent at prep season at Atlanta Sports Academy.

Greyshirt

1) Tyler Combs, OL, Lawrence County High School, Ky. (Enrolled)

Combs originally signed with the Herd in 2012. He was named All-State first team by the Louisville Courier-Journal as a junior and senior.

BCS Transfers

1) Shawney Kersey, WR, Penn State University, Pa. ( Enrolled)

Standing six-foot-one, 197 pounds, Kersey was seldom used at Penn State. In four years he caught 12 passes for 154 yards. Kersey entered 2012 as the Nittnay Lions most experienced receiver, recording 44 receiving yards on six receptions before leaving the program. Has a single year of eligibility remaining.

2) Josh Brown, DT, Clemson, Sc. (Enrolled)

Brown had 90 tackles, 22 tackles for loss and eight sacks during his senior year. Originally signed a letter of intent with Clemson before enrolling at Marshall. Brown has four years of eligibility remaining.

3) Devon Smith, WR, Penn State University, Pa. (Enrolled)

Smith, caught 25 passes for 402 yards and two touchdowns during his junior year at Penn State. At PSU Smith totaled more than 700 receiving yards on 56 receptions. Took a redshirt year at Marshall in 2012, has one year of eligibility left. 

Notes - It looks like Louisville transfer Larry Jefferson is no longer with the football program. He was not among the 29 players announced by Marshall earlier today...Although they have signed letters of intent, a number of today's signees still have eligibility (academics) concerns, they are Brandon Byrd, Stefan Houston, Deontay McManus, Shykeem Pitts, Michael Johnson, and Tony Pittman. If any of the players can't pass the NCAA clearinghouse they have the option of staying enrolled at Marshall for one year in order to gain their eligibility. 

Marshall Football: Matthew Santer Commits to Herd

Marshall's 2014 recruiting class added a little mountain state flavor this evening when Matthew Santer gave a verbal commitment to the Thundering Herd.

I would like to announce that I will be playing football for the Marshall Thundering Herd. #WeAre!!!!
— ⚡Matthew Santer⚡ (@EmJayEs14) January 6, 2014

Needing to improve his recruiting stock after a separated shoulder abruptly ended his high school football career, Santer enrolled at Fork Union Military Academy (VA) in the fall. At Fork Union, the Parkersburg High School (WV) graduate played linebacker and defensive back.

At 6-foot-2, 205 lbs., Santer is projected to play safety at the collegiate level. He joins three other Fork Union products, A.J. Addison, Ryheem Lockley, and Malik Thompson that are expected to enroll at Marshall when the spring semester begins.

For more on Santer follow the links below:

1) Hudl profile (video)
2) NCSA Sports profile

Marshall Football: Franklin in Huntington, Lewter to Fork Union, Hunter hurt, & Dillon’s eligibility

A few notes from today’s articles before Marshall hits the practice field:

1. Per Chuck McGill of the Charleston Daily Mail, JUCO defensive end Terry Franklin has arrived at Marshall and will grey shirt. He should be eligible for spring practice 2012.

Terry Franklin’s MTB profile: http://marshallthunderingblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/marshall-football-terry-franklin-signs.html

Chuck McGill report: http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201108041513

2. Also per Chuck McGill, Washington D.C. offensive lineman Jamar Lewter will spend this season at Fork Union Military Academy. By going to Fork Union Lewter re-opens the recruiting process.

Jamar Lewter MTB profile: http://marshallthunderingblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/jamar-lewter-commits-to-marshall.html

Chuck McGill report: http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201108041513

3. Per the Herald Dispatch, freshman safety DJ Hunter has not recovered from a knee injury suffered this spring and will not participate in practice today. A time line for Hunter’s return has not been set.

DJ Hunter MTB profile: http://marshallthunderingblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/marshall-football-dj-hunter-eligible.html

Herald Dispatch report: http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1652343044/Herd-players-arrive

4. Per multiple reports, former USC turned Marshall defensive end Steve Dillon has made his way to Huntington. Dillon will be able to practice with the Herd this summer but won’t be eligible for games until 2012.

Steve Dillon Rivals profile: http://rivals.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/player-Steve-Dillon-105496

Marshall Football: Herd Receives Commitment from Ryheem Lockley

Marshall received a big addition to it's 2014 recruiting class today when Fork Union Military Academy's Ryheem Lockley gave a verbal commitment to the Thundering Herd.

As a senior at Middlesex High School (VA), Lockley played all over the field. On offense he rushed for 1,034 yards and 13 touchdowns in addition to 589 receiving yards and eight scores through the air. Also a standout on defense, Lockley tallied 50 tackles, two sacks, and a interception. After putting up those impressive numbers, the 6-foot-4, 220 lbs., athlete garnered scholarship offers from Virginia, Virginia Tech, Miami, and West Virginia before ultimately committing to the Hurricanes. Academic issues prevented Lockley from enrolling at Miami and he spent this fall with Fork Union instead.

A three star prospect according to Rivals, Loclkey is projected to play wide receiver or tight end at the collegiate level. As a prep school recruit, he can enroll at Marshall for the upcoming spring semester, but can't sign a letter of intent until nation signing day on February 5th.

Lockley joins two other Fork Union products, offensive lineman A.J. Addison and defensive lineman Malik Thompson in Marshall's 2014 recruiting class.

For more on Lockley follow the links below:

1) Rivals profile
2) Hudl profile (video)

Marshall Football: Stefan Houston Commits to Herd

A former Maryland signee, Fork Union Military Academy linebacker/safety Stefan Houston has given a verbal commitment to Marshall University.

As a senior at Maryland’s Clarksburg High School Houston played offense and defense, catching 38 passes for 698 yards and 12 touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, Houston recorded 85 tackles, eight sacks, three interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns. His impressive numbers earned him a second team All-Met selection by the Washington Post and three star rating by Rivals.com

Standing six-foot-three, 200 pounds, Houston played safety for Fork Union this fall and is project to play that position at Marshall.

Houston will finish the fall semester at Fork Union and enroll at Marshall in January. He will be able to sign a letter of intent on national signing day (February 6th). 

For more on Houston follow the links below.

1) Rivals.com profile
2) Scout.com profile

3) ESPN.com profile

4) Highlight video

Marshall Football: A.J. Addison Commits to Herd

Marshall filled a glaring hole in its 2014 recruiting class yesterday when Fork Union Military Academy offensive/defensive lineman A.J. Addison committed to the Thundering Herd.

Committed to Marshall #HerdNation!!!!
— A.J. Addison (@ToTall_Dre) December 22, 2013

Senior offensive lineman, Alex Schooler, Jordan Jeffries, Garret Scott, and Gage Niemeyer are graduating from Marshall this year, necessitating an infusion of new talent in the trenches.

In high school, Addison was a three year starter at left tackle. First at Caroline High School before spending his junior and senior seasons with Fredericksburgh (Va.) Christian School. As a senior, Addison was heavily recruited by Virginia, but decided to attend Fork Union in order to concentrate on his academics.

Since enrolling at Fork Union, the 6-foot-7, 290 lbs., offensive tackle has picked up scholarship offers from a number of FCS schools and Sun Belt Conference member Georgia State. According to an article by 247 Sports, Addison was also receiving interest from Clemson and Oklahoma.

As a prep school recruit, Addison can enroll at Marshall for the spring semester, but he has to wait until national signing day (February 5th) to sign a letter of intent.

For more on Marshall latest commitment follow the links below:

1) 247 Sports profile

Marshall Football: Chris Hall will not join Herd

Marshall’s 2012 football recruiting class has suffered its first departure. Fork Union tight end Chris Hall enrolled at Virginia Union and will not be joining the Thundering Herd this fall.

A former quarterback Hall threw for 1,056 yards and 21 touchdowns during his senior season at Richmond Virginia’s Dinwiddie High School. Coming out of Dinwiddie, Hall accepted a scholarship to Virginia Tech but he didn’t qualify academically and went to Fork Union.

Reports from January indicated that Hall would be given the chance to compete at quarterback for Marshall.

Hall announced he enrolled at Virginia Union via Twitter (click on picture to enlarge) a few days ago.

Marshall Football: Rakim Reed leaves program

Freshman tight end Rakim Reed is no longer a member of Marshall’s football program. Reed has transferred to Walsh University, a division two school in Ohio.

Reed originally committed to Marshall in January of 2011 but did not enroll until the second semester of 2012 after spending a year at Fork Union Military Academy, a prep school in central Virginia. The Ohio native participated in spring practice but faced little playing time this fall behind established tight ends Gator Hoskins, C.J Crawford, and Eric Frohnapfel.

Reed is the second tight end to leave Marshall’s football program this summer. Yesterday we reported that Reed’s former teammate at Fork Union, Chris Hall, had enrolled at Virginia Union University and will not be joining the Thundering Herd. 

Marshall Football: Signing Day Primer

In less than 24 hours Marshall’s football team will expand when fax machines across the country send letters of intent into the Shewy Building. As we approach national signing day let’s take a look at Marshall’s current verbal commitments and a few prospects the Thundering Herd is still chasing.

First and foremost, two junior college players have already signed letters of intent with Marshall, safety Taj Letman and defensive end Arnold Blackmon. Both had the option of enrolling in January but, I can only confirm that Letman is currently on campus.

Two other junior college prospects, safeties Neville Hewitt and Lakeith Murray have given verbal commitments but did not sign letters of intent during the early JUCO period.

Now that we have accounted for the JUCO players, here are the high school seniors and prep school prospects that have given non-binding verbal commitments to the Herd.

1) Kevin Anderson, QB, Boca Raton High School, Fla.

2) Jeremiah Benjamin, LB, McArthur High School, Fla.

3) Brandon Byrd, RB, East Bayside High School, Fla.

4) Cody Collins, OL, Arch Bishop Alter, Oh.

5) Stefan Houston, LB, Fork Union Military Academy, Va.

6) Chris Huhn, OL, Pickerington North High School, Oh.

7) Justin Hunt, WR, Whitehaven High School, Tenn.

8) Angelo Jean Louis, WR, Fork Union Military Academy, Va.

9) Josh Knight, WR, Fort Pierce Central High School, Fla.

10) Deontey McManus, WR, Atlanta Sports Academy, Ga.

11) Tony Pittman, RB, Phoebus High School, Va.

12) Shykeem Pitts, WR, Ridge Community High School, Fla.

13) Aaron Plantt, LB, Hallandale High School, Fla.

14) Michael Selby, OL, Washington County High School, Ga.

15) D’Andre “Chocolate” Wilson, DB, Myrtle Beach High School, Sc.

16) Gerald Wright, OL, Miami Northwestern High School, Fla.

A few of the prospects have already enrolled at Marshall. Anderson graduated from high school early and hopes to participate in spring practice if his broken collarbone is healed. The prep school players, Houston, Jean-Louis, and McManus are also already on campus.

Something else to keep in mind, Benjamin, Byrd, Houston, Jean-Louis, McManus, Pitts, and Pittman have eligibility concerns. Don’t be surprised if any of those players have to sit out a year before joining the football program. Although, I am hearing Jean-Louis will probably be fully qualified. His issue was getting into Miami, not getting past the NCAA clearinghouse.

Speaking of props, a few from last year will count against this classes scholarship number. Those players are, Kent Turene, Corey Tindal, and Gary Thompson. Even though they are not part of tomorrows recruiting class, you need to take account of Clemson transfer Josh Brown and Louisville transfer Larry Jefferson as they are taking available scholarships.

One other note about the 16 verbal’s, Plantt is only listed as a commitment by Scout.com, it would not surprise me if Marshall does not see a letter of intent from him tomorrow.

Moving on, the Herd is still competing for a number of prospects, here is a list.

1) Sandley Jean-Felix, OL, Boyd Anderson High School, Fla.

A long time FIU commitment, Jean-Felix re-opened his recruitment after the Golden Panthers fired Mario Cristobal. Was in Huntington last weekend for a official visit.

2) Michael Johnson, DB, Booker T. Washington High School, Fla.

Johnson committed to FSU almost a year ago but, grades might be an issue and he was at Marshall last weekend for a official visit.

3) Da’Wan Hunte, DB, Miami Central High School, Fla.

High school teammate of Marshall quarterback Rakeem Cato and wide receiver Tommy Shuler. Took a official visit to MU in January and is deciding between the Herd and Purdue.

4) Elijah Daniel, DE, Avon High School, Ind.

The biggest prospect still on Marshall’s recruiting board, Daniel is a five star player and the brother of current Marshall defensive lineman Armonze Daniel. By all accounts the younger Daniel is deciding between Auburn and Mississippi but, you never know what can happen on signing day.  

Marshall head coach Doc Holliday has pulled a surprise recruit in each of his previous three recruiting classes. In year one it was tight end Gator Hoskins followed by defensive end Terry Franklin the next February. Offensive lineman Eric Ansley was last year’s surprise.

Please follow the Marshall Thundering Blog on Twitter (@MarshallTBlog) tomorrow as we will tweet out a compressive profile of each recruit when their letter of intent hits the Shewy Building. Like our profile says, we are the internet’s best source for free Marshall recruiting information.

Marshall Football: National Signing Day Commitment List

A running list of the letters of intent received by Marshall University’s football program. We will constantly update this list throughout the day.

1) Kevin Anderson, QB, Boca Raton High School, Fla. (Enrolled)

2) Josh Brown, DT, Aiken High School, Sc. (Enrolled)

3) Tyler Combs, OL, Lawrence County High School, Ky. (Enrolled)

4) Stefan Houston, LB, Fork Union Military Academy, Va. (Enrolled)

5) Angelo Jean Louis, WR, Fork Union Military Academy, Va. (Enrolled)

6) Shawney Kersey, WR, Penn State University, Pa. ( Enrolled)

7) Taj Letman, S, Holmes Community College, Ok. (Enrolled)

8) Deontey McManus, WR, Atlanta Sports Academy, Ga. (Enrolled)

9) Devon Smith, WR, Penn State University, Pa. (Enrolled)

10) Gary Thompson, LB, Helix Charter High School, Ca. (Enrolled)

11) Corey Tindal, DB, Atlanta Sports Academy, Ga. (Enrolled)

12) Kent Turene, LB, Atlanta Sports Academy, Ga. (Enrolled)

13) Michael Selby, OL, Washington County High School, Ga.

14) Aaron Plantt, LB, Hallandale High School, Fla.

15) Sandley Jean-Felix, OL, Boyd Anderson High School, Fla.

16) Shykeem Pitts, WR, Ridge Community High School, Fla.
17) Tony Pittman, RB, Phoebus High School, Va.

18) Chris Huhn, OL, Pickerington North High School, Oh.

19) Neville Hewitt, DB, Georgia Military College, Ga.
20) Jeremiah Benjamin, LB, McArthur High School, Fla.
21) Michael Johnson, DB, Booker T. Washington High School, Fla.
22) Gerald Wright, OL, Miami Northwestern High School, Fla.
23) Cody Collins, OL, Arch Bishop Alter, Oh.
24) Tiquan Lang, DB. Lowndes High School, Ga. 
25) D'Andre "Chocolate" Wilson, DB, Myrtle Beach High School, Sc.
26) Josh Knight, WR, Fort Pierce Central High School, Fla.
27) Brandon Byrd, RB, East Bayside High School, Fla.
28) Arnold Blackmon, DE, Navarro Junior College, Tx.
29) Justin Hunt, WR, Whitehaven High School, Tenn.

Marshall Football: W.V. Natives Join Recruiting Class as Preferred Walk-Ons

While West Virginia is not considered a hot bed of football recruiting, the Mountain State has been good to Marshall. In recent years West Virginia natives Aaron Dobson, Clinton Van Horn, Blake Brooks, and Raheem Waiters have made a big impact for the Thundering Herd.

On national signing day a number of local prospects made a commitment to Marshall as preferred walk-ons. Preferred walk-ons are guaranteed a roster spot but are not on scholarship. 

One of those West Virginia natives is already on campus. Although he comes to Marshall from Virginia's Fork Union Military Academy, Matthew Santer played high school football in Parkersburg W.V. Santer enrolled at Fork Union last August hoping to raise his recruiting profile. The prep school semester helped as Santer caught the eye of Marshall's coaches. He will join the Herds safeties when spring practice begins.

Beckley's Woodrow Wilson High School should be familiar to Thundering Herd fans. Doug Legursky and Van Horn are just two of many former Flying Eagles to play collegiality at Marshall. Chase Hancock hopes to continue that legacy after accepting a preferred walk-on spot with the Herd. As a senior Hancock caught 35 passes for 490 yards and five touchdowns. He also recorded 564 rushing yards on 98 carries and eight touchdowns. 

A member of West Virginia's Class AA all first team, defensive lineman Austin Hill will join the Thundering Herd as a preferred walk-on this fall. Hill had a number of scholarship offers from division II schools, but the 6-foot-2, 280 pound lineman always dreamed of playing big time college football.  

Rounding out the list is athlete Isaiah Brown. One of the fastest football players in West Virginia, Brown accumulated 1,287 yards of total offense during his senior year at Summers County High School. He will test his speed against C-USA competition this fall as a preferred walk-on at Marshall.

Marshall football: Jamar Lewter chooses JUCO over Herd

According to various sources Fork Union Military Academy offensive tackle Jamar Lewter will attend junior college instead of Marshall University next year. Lewter was originally part of Marshall’s 2011 recruiting class but, poor grades kept him from qualifying. Left with the choice of propping at Marshall or attending prep school for a year Lewter decided to enroll at Fork Union. Lewter re-affirmed his commitment to the Thundering Herd this fall but, Rivals.com no longer list him as one of Marshall’s incoming recruits.

Marshall Football: Commitment list, class of 2012

Marshall secured 15 letters of intent from high school football prospects today but, that only tells half of the story. Beyond the newest members of the Thundering Herd family 15 other players will be counted against this class. They include junior college enrollees like defensive tackle Ken Smith and props from last years class like Steward Butler.

Below, I have complied a list of 30 players who should be considered part of Marshall’s 2012 recruiting haul.

Sent in a letter of intent today, fully qualified:

1) Tyler Combs, OL, Lawrence County High School (KY)

2) Matt Cincotta, LS, Charlotte Catholic High School (NC)

3) Josh Muriel, OL, Port St. Lucie High School (FL)

4) Deyonte Henderson, LB, Oak Ridge High School (FL)

5) Andre Scott, DB, Oak Ridge High School (FL)

6) Devon Johnson, LB, Richlands High School (VA)

7) A.J Leggett, DB, South Miami High School (FL)

8) Billy Rone, OL, Glendale Community College (AZ)

9) Gunnar Holcombe, QB, University School (FL)

10) Eric Ansley, OL, Drew Charter School (GA)

11) Marcus Gilchrist, DE, Port Charlotte High School (FL)

12) Ryan Riedel, LB, Cabell Midland High School (WV)

13) Chris Hall, TE/QB, Fork Union Military Academy (VA)

14) Cameron Dees, OL, Armwood High School (FL)

15) Gary Thompson, LB, Helix Charter High School (CA)

Enrolled this January, 2nd semester of 2011-2012:

1) Gage Niemeyer, OL, Mount San Jacinto Community College (CA)*

2) Ken Smith, DT, Blinn Community College (TX)*

3) Joe Massaquoi, DE, T.C Williams High School (VA)*

4) Chris Alston, WR, Fairfield Central High School (SC)*

5) Rakim Reed, TE, Fork Union Military Academy (VA)*

6) Deontae West, DB, Hialeah High School (FL)*

7) Corey Tindal, DB, Atlanta Sports Academy (GA)**

8) Kent Turene, LB Atlanta Sports Academy (GA)**

*On campus, fully qualified.
**On campus as props, will not be eligible for 2012 season.

Enrolled in August of 2011, put on scholarship with 2012 recruiting class:

1) Kevin Grooms, RB/DB, South Broward High School (FL)

2) Shawn Samuels, DB, Bainbridge High School (GA)

3) Steve Dillon, DL, Palmdale High School (CA)\

4) DeAndre Reaves, RB/LB, Dominion High School (VA)

5) Steward Butler, RB, Lakeland High School (FL)

6) Clinton Van Horn, OL, Woodrow Wilson High School (WV)

7) Stefone Grace, DB, Milford Academy (NY)

Marshall Football: Former Va Tech commitment Chris Hall headed to Herd

Per an article from the Richmond Times Dispatch, former Virginia Tech commitment Chris Hall will be part of Marshall's 2012 recruiting class. Hall accepted a scholarship to VT last year but, he did not qualify academically and headed to Fork Union Military Academy for a post-graduate year.

As a senior at Virginia's Dinwiddie high school Hall played quarterback, throwing for 2,068 yards and 18 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. A dual threat, Hall also rushed for 1,056 yards and 11 TD's.

Weighing in at 6'5, 230 lbs, Hall lined up at tight end for Fork Union this season, he is expected to play the same position in college.

For more on Hall and his expected commitment to Marshall follow the links below:

1) Richmond Times Dispatch article on Hall's anticipated commitment.

2) Rivals.com profile.

3) Scout.com profile.

4) ESPN.com profile.

5) YouTube video (1).

Marshall Football: 2013 Recruiting Class Suffers Attrition, McManus Among those Ineligible

Four members of Marshall's 2013 football recruiting class have failed to pass the NCAA's eligibility requirements and will not be eligible this fall. They are running backs Tony Pittman and Brandon Byrd, wide receiver Shykeem Pitts, and defensive back DeAndre "Chocolate" Wilson. Despite the setback all four players will enroll this August and spend the next two semesters getting their academics houses in order. 

Of the group Wilson was the most highly regarded prospect. Rivals ranked him a three star recruit and he also held scholarship offers from N.C. State, Mississippi, and Missouri. 

Besides Pittman, Byrd, Pitts, and Willson, four other players, linebacker Rahiem Huskey, linebacker Rodney Allen, wide receiver Angelo Jean Louis, and wide receiver Deontey McManus  will also sit out the upcoming football season as props. Huskey and Allen switched their commitments to Marshall this summer after signing letters of intent with junior colleges in February. Per NCAA rules they must sit out a year before joining the team. Jean Louis and McManus attended prep school last year and need an additional semester or two to become academically eligible.

The final missing piece of Marshall’s 2013 recruiting class, offensive lineman Gerald Wright, will delay his enrolment by one semester and attend Milford Academy (NY) in the fall.

The Thundering Herd's 2013 recruiting class first suffered attrition when reports surfaced that linebacker Jeremiah Benjamin had not qualified academically. Unlike the other non-qualifiers, Benjamin will not enroll at Marshall.

With all of the moving parts here is an easy breakdown of Marshall’s 2013 recruiting class and their eligibility situation.

1) Kevin Anderson, QB, Boca Raton High School, Fla. (Enrolled)

2) Michael Selby, OL, Washington County High School, Ga. (Enrolled)

3) Aaron Plantt, LB, Hallandale High School, Fla. (Enrolled)

4) Sandley Jean-Felix, OL, Boyd Anderson High School, Fla. (Enrolled)

5) Shykeem Pitts, WR, Ridge Community High School, Fla. (Prop)

6) Tony Pittman, RB, Phoebus High School, Va. (Enrolled)

7) Chris Huhn, OL, Pickerington North High School, Oh. (Enrolled)

8) Jeremiah Benjamin, LB, McArthur High School, Fla. (Will not attend Marshall)

9) Michael Johnson, DB, Booker T. Washington High School, Fla. (Enrolled)

10) Gerald Wright, OL, Miami Northwestern High School, Fla. (Grayshirt, will attend Milford Academy in the fall)

11) Cody Collins, OL, Trotwood-Madison High School, Oh. (Enrolled)

12) Tiquan Lang, DB. Lowndes High School, Ga. (Enrolled)

13) D'Andre "Chocolate" Wilson, DB, Myrtle Beach High School, Sc. (Prop)

14) Josh Knight, WR, Fort Pierce Central High School, Fla. (Enrolled)

15) Brandon Byrd, RB, East Bayside High School, Fla. (Prop)

16) Justin Hunt, WR, Whitehaven High School, Tenn. (Enrolled)

17) Stefan Houston, LB, Fork Union Military Academy, Va. (Enrolled)

18) Angelo Jean Louis, WR, Fork Union Military Academy, Va. (Prop)

19) Deontey McManus, WR, Atlanta Sports Academy, Ga. (Prop)

20) Taj Letman, DB, Holmes Community College, Ok. (Enrolled)

21) Neville Hewitt, DB, Georgia Military College, Ga. (Enrolled)

22) Arnold Blackmon, DE, Navarro Junior College, Tx. (Enrolled)

23) Gary Thompson, LB, Helix Charter High School, Ca. (Enrolled)

24) Corey Tindal, DB, Atlanta Sports Academy, Ga. (Enrolled)

25) Kent Turene, LB, Atlanta Sports Academy, Ga. (Enrolled)

26) Tyler Combs, OL, Lawrence County High School, Ky. (Enrolled)

27) Shawney Kersey, WR, Penn State University, Pa. (Enrolled)

28) Josh Brown, DT, Clemson, Sc. (Enrolled)

29) Devon Smith, WR, Penn State University, Pa. (Enrolled)