As we inch closer to Marshall’s first game at WVU on September 3rd the Marshall Thundering Blog is breaking down the Herds roster position by position, giving you the best and worst case scenarios for each. Today will focus on wide receivers and tight ends.
2010 Stats:
Aaron Dobson - 44 REC, 689 YDS, 5 TD
Lee Smith – 38 REC, 358 YDS, 3 TD
Antavious Wilson – 29 REC, 342 YDS, 5 TD
Courtney Edmonson – 25 REC, 298 YDS, 2 TD
Andre Booker – 17 REC, 236 YDS, 1 TD
Troy Evans – 21 REC, 225 YDS, 3 TD
Chuck Walker – 26 REC, 219 YDS, 1 TD
Demetrius Evans – 6 REC, 51 YDS, 0 TD
C.J Crawford – 2 REC, 39 YDS, 1 TD
Jamie Hatten – 1 RED, 8 YDS, 0 TD
Departed:
Lee Smith
Chuck Walker
Courtney Edmonson
Returning/Incoming:
Aaron Dobson, junior
Antavious Wilson, redshirt junior
Andre Booker, junior
Troy Evans, senior
Wayne Bonner, senior
Davonte Allen, freshman
Tommy Shuler, freshman
Jermaine Kelson, sophomore
Jazz King, redshirt freshman
Craig Wilkins, freshman
Demetrius Evans, sophomore
Jamie Hatten, redshirt junior
Gator Hoskins, sophomore
C.J Crawford, redshirt sophomore
Blake Frohnapfel, freshman
Best Case Scenario:
What Marshall University lacks in statistics among it’s receivers and tight ends it certainly makes up in numbers. In total Marshall enters 2011 with eleven wide receivers and four tight ends that could land legitimate playing time. But the proof lies in the pudding, in 2010 all eleven returning pass catchers only accumulated 1,590 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns.
In a best case scenario juniors Aaron Dobson and Antavious Wilson will have break out seasons. Wilson sat out four games in 2010 and still finished third on the team in receiving yards. During a spectacular freshman season in 2009 Wilson hauled in 60 passes for 742 yards and 3 touchdowns. Dobson grew on the potential he showed as a true freshman to lead the team in receptions and yards last year. He also had the most memorable catch of Marshall’s 2010 season, a 96 yard touchdown bomb against West Virginia. If all goes as planed both Dobson and Wilson should finish 2011 with a combined 1,400 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
For Dobson and Wilson to be successful they need help from their supporting cast, chief among them senior Troy Evans. In concept Evans is the perfect slot receiver. Short and shifty Evans has shown the ability to get open and make plays in space but, there is one problem. Evans hands are suspect and he has suffered through dropped passes his whole Marshall career. If Evans can’t cut it in the slot a group of talented underclassman could takes his place.
Since practice began last week every one has been singing the praises of incoming freshman Davonte Allen, Tommy Shuler, and Craig Wilkins. Paired with fellow underclassman Jazz King, Jermaine Kelson, and Demetrious Evans this group of freshman and sophomores could prove formidable in 2011. In a perfect world all the freshman would be redshirted but all three might be to talented to sit.
Junior Andre Booker and senior Wayne Bonner round out the wide receivers. Bonner, a heralded JUCO recruit from California has not lived up to his potential at Marshall. After sitting out last season Bonner could fill the same role Courtney Edmonson played in 2010, backing up Dobson and Wilson. Booker, a converted running back, has the same characteristics T. Evans. Catching passes mostly out of the backfield he hauled in 17 balls for 236 yards last year. With an impressive 13.9 yards per catch in 2010 Booker should be able to put up similar, if not better numbers in 2011.
Tight end is a big question for Marshall this year. Gone is Lee Smith, the teams second leading receiver in 2010, and 5th round draft pick of the New England Patriots. In his place you have returnees Jamie Hatten, C.J Crawford, Gator Hoskins, and new comer Blake Frohnapfel. Hatten is the most traditional tight end of the bunch, with ability to block and catch. He has been held out of practice this summer with a back injury but should return soon. Crawford and Hoskins, both former wide receivers, are more pass catcher than blocker. Unfortunately, both have problems in the pass catching department. Neither Crawford or Hoskins have been consistent enough to earn head coach Doc Holliday’s trust. Frohnapfel probably has to bulk up in order to play division one football but could see time if Hoskins and Crawford falter.
Like I wrote previously, in a perfect world Dobson and Wilson account for 1,400 yards and 10 touchdowns. Keeping pace with Dobson and Wilson Marshall’s other receivers accumulate 1,600 receiving yards and 14 TD’s, finishing in the top half of Conference USA. Marshall is able to achieve those numbers while red shirting Allen, Shuler, Wilkins, and Frohnapfel.
Worst Case Scenario:
Injuries cripple a solid group of receivers. Dobson can’t recover from a lingering hamstring issue and his numbers suffer. After missing the final four games of last season and spring practice due to a knee injury Wilson starts 2011 less than 100%. Marshall is down it’s top blocking tight end when Hatten’s sore back keeps him out.
Besides injury the other Herd receivers suffer performance issues. Bonner can’t shake his reputation as a practice all star and his performance never carries over to game day. Troy Evans hands continue to be suspect, forcing a freshman into immediate playing time. Lack of pass catching ability also makes tight ends Crawford and Hoskins unreliable.
Freshman fill in admirably for the under performing veterans but they are rookies and mistake prone. The 2011 receiving core does Marshall’s new quarterback no favors and the offense sputters.
Next: Offensive line
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Marshall Football: Day 4, morning practice notes
From the Charleston Daily Mail, video of Doc Holliday’s post practice comments:
http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2011/08/09/video-doc-holliday-post-practice-comments-aug-9/
The Daily Mail also has a practice report from Chuck McGill:
http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2011/08/09/august-9-morning-practice-quickies/
Morning practice notes from the Charleston Gazette’s Doug Smock:
http://blogs.wvgazette.com/dougsmock/2011/08/09/herd-practice-4a/
GoHerd.com also check's in with their own report:
http://www.goherd.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=520:herd-heats-up-on-tuesday-morning-practice&catid=13:featured-news&Itemid=135
http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2011/08/09/video-doc-holliday-post-practice-comments-aug-9/
The Daily Mail also has a practice report from Chuck McGill:
http://blogs.dailymail.com/marshall/2011/08/09/august-9-morning-practice-quickies/
Morning practice notes from the Charleston Gazette’s Doug Smock:
http://blogs.wvgazette.com/dougsmock/2011/08/09/herd-practice-4a/
GoHerd.com also check's in with their own report:
http://www.goherd.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=520:herd-heats-up-on-tuesday-morning-practice&catid=13:featured-news&Itemid=135
Marshall Football: Official, series with Miami extended
From HerdZone.com
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall University Director of Athletics Mike Hamrick has announced additional dates for the resumption of the football series between Marshall and Miami University.
It was previously announced that the series would begin with Miami traveling to Huntington on August 31, 2013. Marshall will return the game to Oxford, Ohio, on August 30, 2014. Following two off years, the series is set to resume on September 2, 2017 in Huntington with a game in Oxford, Ohio set to take place on September 1, 2018.
“It is great to have the opportunity to resume our rivalry with Miami,” Hamrick said. “From the time the series started in 1905 through our days in the Mid-American Conference, it has been a great series and we are looking forward to starting it back up.”
The Thundering Herd has won six of the last seven games against the RedHawks, including a 33-25 victory in 2004. The teams have not faced each other since Marshall left the MAC following the 2004 season.
http://herdzone.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/080911aaa.html
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall University Director of Athletics Mike Hamrick has announced additional dates for the resumption of the football series between Marshall and Miami University.
It was previously announced that the series would begin with Miami traveling to Huntington on August 31, 2013. Marshall will return the game to Oxford, Ohio, on August 30, 2014. Following two off years, the series is set to resume on September 2, 2017 in Huntington with a game in Oxford, Ohio set to take place on September 1, 2018.
“It is great to have the opportunity to resume our rivalry with Miami,” Hamrick said. “From the time the series started in 1905 through our days in the Mid-American Conference, it has been a great series and we are looking forward to starting it back up.”
The Thundering Herd has won six of the last seven games against the RedHawks, including a 33-25 victory in 2004. The teams have not faced each other since Marshall left the MAC following the 2004 season.
http://herdzone.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/080911aaa.html
Marshall football: New Uniforms
Got this picture off the twitter account of HerdNation.com.
Here are the changes that I can see:
1. Biggest difference is the large “The Herd” written above the numbers. Previously, “Herd” had been written there in much smaller letters.
2. The collar is all black. Last season it was mostly black but a small portion under the chin was green.
3. Hard to tell from the picture but it looks like Marshall has moved to sewn on numbers, previously they had been screen printed.
Here are the changes that I can see:
1. Biggest difference is the large “The Herd” written above the numbers. Previously, “Herd” had been written there in much smaller letters.
2. The collar is all black. Last season it was mostly black but a small portion under the chin was green.
3. Hard to tell from the picture but it looks like Marshall has moved to sewn on numbers, previously they had been screen printed.
Grantland.com: DuPont duo say goodbye
Missed this a few days ago but Grantland.com ran a terrific feature on former Marshall athletes Jason Williams and Randy Moss. Besides attending Marshall, both Williams and Moss were also class mates at Dupont High School in Belle W.V.
Read the article here: http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/1334/randy-moss-and-jason-williams-dupont-highs-finest
Read the article here: http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/1334/randy-moss-and-jason-williams-dupont-highs-finest
Today's Marshall Sports News 8/9/11
From the Associated Press, C-USA loaded with prolific QB’s
http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201108080934
From the Charleston Gazette, Jackson picks and grins
http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201108080932
From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall football notebook: Holliday sends message to quarterbacks
http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201108080879
From the Herald Dispatch, Troy Evans named to watch list
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1812762779/Troy-Evans-named-to-watch-list
From the Herald Dispatch, David Walsh: Football practice gets rough at the Joan
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1974075738/David-Walsh-Football-practice-gets-rough-at-the-Joan
From the Herald Dispatch, Tis the season for fundraising at Marshall
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1974075742/Chuck-Landon-Tis-the-season-for-fundraising-at-Marshall
http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201108080934
From the Charleston Gazette, Jackson picks and grins
http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/Marshall/201108080932
From the Charleston Daily Mail, Marshall football notebook: Holliday sends message to quarterbacks
http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/201108080879
From the Herald Dispatch, Troy Evans named to watch list
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1812762779/Troy-Evans-named-to-watch-list
From the Herald Dispatch, David Walsh: Football practice gets rough at the Joan
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1974075738/David-Walsh-Football-practice-gets-rough-at-the-Joan
From the Herald Dispatch, Tis the season for fundraising at Marshall
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1974075742/Chuck-Landon-Tis-the-season-for-fundraising-at-Marshall
Monday, August 8, 2011
Marshall Football: 2011 RB Preview, best/worst case scenario
As we inch closer to Marshall’s first game at WVU on September 3rd the Marshall Thundering Blog is breaking down the Herds roster position by position, giving you the best and worst case scenarios for each. Today will focus on the running backs.
2010 Stats:
Martin Ward – 96 CAR, 345 YDS, 3.6 AVG, 1 TD
Andre Booker – 67 CAR, 264 YDS, 3.9 AVG, 1 TD
Tron Martinez – 78 CAR, 262 YDS, 3.4 AVG, 1 TD
Essray Taliaferro – 20 CAR, 98 YDS, 4.9 AVG, 1 TD
Departed:
Andre Booker, moved to wide receiver
Returning/Incoming:
Martin Ward, redshirt junior
Tron Martinez, sophomore
Essray Taliaferro, redshirt sophomore
Travon Van, freshman
Remi Watson, freshman
Best Case Scenario:
To say that running the ball was a struggle for Marshall University in 2010 would be a understatement. Combined, Herd running backs only rushed for 969 yards. Marshall finished second to last among Conference USA schools in rushing yards, yards per carry, and rushing touchdowns.
2011 brings the promise of much hyped University of Florida transfer Travon Van. After sitting out for over one full calendar year it is already apparent he has come to play. In Marshall’s first two practices last week Van wowed spectators with his speed and elusiveness.
In a perfect world Van, the Herd’s most talented runner, would grab MU’s starting spot and rush for over 1,000 yards. With a solid group of running backs behind him including Martin Ward, Tron Martinez, and Essray Taliaferro, Marshall’s rushing attack vaults into the top half of C-USA. An improved ground attack takes the pressure off MU’s new starting quarterback and a balance approach immerges on offense. In total, the Herd finishes with over 1,800 rushing yards, averaging at least 4 yards per carry, and around 20 rushing touchdowns.
Worst Case Scenario:
Van does not live up to the hype. A year off from football is to much to overcome and the Florida transfer sputters in 2011. Head coach Doc Holliday is forced to rotate running backs and freshman Remi Watson burns his redshirt. Even with a large stable of runners the Herd's rushing attack puts up similar numbers to 2010.
With a struggling ground attack Marshall's new starting quarterback shoulders much of the offensive load. Like last year this in not a recipe for success, by years end fans are wondering how much longer offensive coordinator Bill Legg should be employed.
Next Preview: Wide Receivers
2010 Stats:
Martin Ward – 96 CAR, 345 YDS, 3.6 AVG, 1 TD
Andre Booker – 67 CAR, 264 YDS, 3.9 AVG, 1 TD
Tron Martinez – 78 CAR, 262 YDS, 3.4 AVG, 1 TD
Essray Taliaferro – 20 CAR, 98 YDS, 4.9 AVG, 1 TD
Departed:
Andre Booker, moved to wide receiver
Returning/Incoming:
Martin Ward, redshirt junior
Tron Martinez, sophomore
Essray Taliaferro, redshirt sophomore
Travon Van, freshman
Remi Watson, freshman
Best Case Scenario:
To say that running the ball was a struggle for Marshall University in 2010 would be a understatement. Combined, Herd running backs only rushed for 969 yards. Marshall finished second to last among Conference USA schools in rushing yards, yards per carry, and rushing touchdowns.
2011 brings the promise of much hyped University of Florida transfer Travon Van. After sitting out for over one full calendar year it is already apparent he has come to play. In Marshall’s first two practices last week Van wowed spectators with his speed and elusiveness.
In a perfect world Van, the Herd’s most talented runner, would grab MU’s starting spot and rush for over 1,000 yards. With a solid group of running backs behind him including Martin Ward, Tron Martinez, and Essray Taliaferro, Marshall’s rushing attack vaults into the top half of C-USA. An improved ground attack takes the pressure off MU’s new starting quarterback and a balance approach immerges on offense. In total, the Herd finishes with over 1,800 rushing yards, averaging at least 4 yards per carry, and around 20 rushing touchdowns.
Worst Case Scenario:
Van does not live up to the hype. A year off from football is to much to overcome and the Florida transfer sputters in 2011. Head coach Doc Holliday is forced to rotate running backs and freshman Remi Watson burns his redshirt. Even with a large stable of runners the Herd's rushing attack puts up similar numbers to 2010.
With a struggling ground attack Marshall's new starting quarterback shoulders much of the offensive load. Like last year this in not a recipe for success, by years end fans are wondering how much longer offensive coordinator Bill Legg should be employed.
Next Preview: Wide Receivers
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